Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Viktor Gyokeres.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Viktor Gyokeres. | AFP via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta lavished praise on one of his Arsenal forwards following the 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke in depth about the progress of Viktor Gyokeres following the 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The Sweden international was only on the pitch for 30 minutes but bagged a brace from the bench to help ensure that all three points remained at the Emirates Stadium. Gyokeres now has three goals in his last two league outings, having also registered a goal and assist in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
The 27-year-old took some time to find his feet in North London following his £55 million move from Sporting last summer but now appears to be settling. Gyokeres first goal against Sunderland saw him showcase his physicality to force the ball into the back of the net with the second coming after a gut-busting run to join Gabriel Martinelli on a counter attack. He was rated a 9/10 for his efforts by LondonWorld.
Viktor Gyokeres bags brace against Sunderland
Speaking in his post match press conference, Arteta said: “It’s the type of character that we expected. When you put the shirt on, it comes with a lot of responsibility and expectations. You have to live with that. You’re going to have moments that go really well and that are tough. I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he is so focused on the present and what he has to do. He has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”
When asked what has changed in Gyokeres’ game recently to help him find form, the Gunners boss said: “He came on when the game was a bit more open, today he had more company as well in and around him. Depending on the opponent and the context, what really makes the difference is the consistency that he has shown every single day to practice, train and understand better his teammates. To speak up and demand the movement and balls that he wants.”
Arsenal striker praised for ‘poker face’ attitude by Mikel Arteta
Arteta went on to praise Gyokeres’ character and hinted at the striker having somewhat of a poker face in training, not moved by his form on in the pitch. He said: “It’s difficult to understand his emotion because he looks straight at you and you don’t really know. He doesn’t seem too affected by the highs or lows, that’s what we need is stability. He’s very demanding of himself, constantly trying to improve.
“That’s the magic word, confidence. When you feel confident that’s when you can take your game to the highest level. The staff are behind him in every moment to try to help and support him.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Gyokeres himself hailed Arsenal’s ‘great results’ recently but kept his feet firmly on the ground with plenty still to be done before the end of the season.
He said: "The results show it but they are a very good side. They are very strong and good in the air so it'll always be a battle. When you score three goals, it's a good result.
"We've shown throughout the season that a lot of players have come from the bench and had an impact. It's a very good sign and we have to keep it going. We had some great results recently but it's always tough and we have to be on top in every aspect to win games. We have to prepare our bodies and win the next one."
In other news, Arsenal Player Ratings: 'Titan' 9/10 as 8/10 'causes headache' for Sunderland all afternoon.
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