Mikel Arteta sends strong message to Gyokeres on what he expects from Arsenal striker
Mikel Arteta sends strong message to Gyokeres on what he expects from Arsenal striker
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Viktor Gyökeres to be ‘really good and consistent’ with his performances and backed the striker to build on an improved showing against Chelsea.
Gyökeres was in action for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday and marked his appearance with a goal and an assist.
After scoring the most goals in Europe last season, the Swede has endured inconsistent form in front of goal in his first campaign at the Emirates Stadium and has often seen his abilities questioned by critics.
Gyökeres ended a four-game goal drought with his strike against Chelsea, and Arteta is hoping the former Sporting CP man can now set the standard for Arsenal.
“He is a very demanding person,” Arteta said of Gyökeres ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest. “He knows the level we want, and he wants to fulfill the level we expect of him. He has been very consistent. He had a great game against Chelsea and scored to help us win the game. For the rest of his career, what he's done in the last few years, he has set the standard and it's a standard we expect him to maintain.
“It's part of the expectations not only for Viktor but every number nine in the league. We expect them to be really good and consistent. That's what he has to try to do.”
So far, Gyökeres has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star who has surprised people
In the same press conference, Arteta waxed lyrical about Martin Zubimendi, saying the midfielder has surprised people by quickly adapting to life at Arsenal.
Zubimendi has played in every league game for the Gunners this season following his summer move from Real Sociedad. On Zubimendi’s offensive contributions, Arteta said:
“I'm very happy with the manner that he has settled at the club. When you talk to any member of staff or player about him, he has a big smile on his face and that's something very positive. I think he has earned the respect very, very quickly of everybody here, our supporters and the league in general and that’s very difficult to do. He’s done it because he’s very humble, very focused, incredibly consistent and on top of that he’s surprising a few people with his ability to attack the opposition box.”
Ahead of Saturday’s game at the City Ground, Arsenal hold a six-point lead at the top of the table.