EXCLUSIVE: Alan Smith Says Out Of Favour Arsenal Star Will Have “A Point To Prove” To Arteta Against Leeds
Arsenal legend Alan Smith thinks that Viktor Gyokeres will be determined to prove a point if he starts against Leeds United on Saturday week.
Kai Havertz is a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty. It opens the door for the Swedish international to take his place in the eleven.
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Speaking exclusively to Gooner News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said Gyokeres will not have been happy sitting on the bench, and he will be keen to show manager Mikel Arteta why he should be a regular starter:
“Well, it’s a challenge for him, isn’t it? It’s a challenge. He wouldn’t have been happy not starting matches. If he does play against Leeds, that’s a physical game, because Leeds are a strong, strong team. So that’d be a battle, and maybe he likes those battles.”
“He’s that kind of player that wants to get involved in those one-v-ones. So yeah, a chance for him. He’ll feel he’s got a point to prove if he does play. But he’s still at the club and 20-plus goals last year, so he can’t be discounted.”
Gyokeres has expressed a desire to play more
Speaking whilst away on international duty, the 28-year-old was keen to emphasise that he is still happy at the Emirates, but he made it clear that he wanted to play more minutes for his club.
Gyokeres has not started a Premier League match so far this season, with his only starts coming in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. He has had to play second fiddle to Havertz for the most part.
The Arsenal star has had a good international break
Gyokeres hasn’t got on the scoresheet for his club so far this campaign, but he has found the back of the net for Sweden.
The striker scored in victories over Romania and Poland in the UEFA Nations League. He will be in action once again versus Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday night.