Mikel Arteta has sent a message to a “missing” Arsenal player who needs to improve over the coming weeks.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday in what was a clinical performance from the Gunners. Gabriel Magalhaes scored after 16 minutes, before two goals came from Declan Rice, who was an injury doubt before the game started.
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Rice’s two goals has helped extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points over Aston Villa, who beat Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Man City could close the gap to four points if they win against Chelsea on Sunday night.
Arteta will hope that his star players can continue to deliver like Rice did on Saturday, in the hope they can drag his side to the Premier League title.
Arteta tells “missing” Gyokeres to get used to the pressure
Before the Gunners’ game against Bournemouth, Arteta sent a message to Viktor Gyokeres, who has been struggling to find goals since he was brought in to become the Gunners’ new number nine.
He told Sky Sports: “He is going to continue to have a lot of noise around him for the next five years. Since day one, you sign as a No 9 for Arsenal with the background he has and the expectation at Arsenal, that is not going away. That is the life of being an Arsenal No 9.
“There is an expectation when you pull the shirt on. He knew that and it was part of the plan. I see him training every day and in the meeting, how much he wants to do well.
“The way he is working every single match, it will click. One thing is missing at the moment, scoring more goals, but he is doing other things right.”
Gyokeres could lose his spot to Jesus
With Gabriel Jesus back in the fray following his long-term ACL injury, Gyokeres now has some competition for the striker role.
Furthermore, Jesus scored last week after he came on against Aston Villa, so if the Swedish international continues to struggle finding the net, he could lose his starting job to Jesus.
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