Viktor Gyokeres has only scored one goal in his last 10 Premier League games and doubts over Arsenal's £64million man are beginning to set in ahead of facing Everton
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on October 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is right behind Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal's title rivals that goal-shy Viktor Gyokeres will be a different player in the second half of the season. Gyokeres, 27, was the Gunners' marquee signing in the summer transfer window, costing £64million to recruit from Sporting Lisbon and ending their lengthy search for a striker.
But the Swede has suffered teething problems, scoring just four Premier League goals. Those have come against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Burnley, three clubs battling at the wrong end of the table.
Gyokeres was subbed off in the 81st minute at home to rock-bottom Wolves on Saturday, having taken just one shot. But Arteta believes that the former Coventry City talisman is about to go up another level thanks to more time working with his new team-mates.
Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Everton, Arteta explained: "Everybody was so excited to bring him into the club. We did it. We brought a player with an incredible scoring record who had to adapt to the league. He had no pre-season.
"The first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn't in his best state and he's a player that needs that, like any other player in this league, almost to perform at that level.
"Then he kicked on. I think he had a really good period and he got injured. Now he's back. I saw a lot of positive things in the last two games that he's done.
"I know we need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same. But that's about time. We have full support for him."
When asked if fans will see Gyokeres go up another level in 2026, the Gunners boss replied: "I think so, yes."
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal reacts after missing a chance during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has lost his shooting boots
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After Saturday's gruelling 2-1 victory over Wolves, which came courtesy of two own goals, Arteta put the onus on Gyokeres' team-mates to provide him with better service. "We knew it was going be a tough match, especially if we didn't manage to score early in the game," the Arsenal manager admitted.
"We had a lot of situations in the first half, one massive big chance for Martinelli, two yards out, totally free and we don't score. But we struggled once we arrived into those danger zones to pick a red shirt in the box. We had many situations and then we didn't generate many clear chances."
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