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Viktor Gyokeres has had a limited role in the Premier League this season. He had played 29 minutes before Saturday’s game.
All of his league appearances came as a substitute, against Chelsea, Brighton and Leeds United.
The Sweden international scored 21 goals in 55 appearances in his first season, as Arsenal won the Premier League. His role has changed with Kai Havertz fit again. Arseblog described Havertz as Mikel Arteta’s preferred option through the middle.
Before the Leeds game, Gyokeres had started only two of his five appearances in all competitions and had no direct goal contribution. He then scored four goals in four Nations League games for Sweden during the international break.
Arteta was asked about Gyokeres’ minutes after Arsenal beat Leeds United 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. His answer came in the post-match press conference.
“He will play games and he will have minutes, and the best way is when they enter the pitch, show how good they are. That’s it,” the Arsenal manager said.
Arteta then referred to Gyokeres’ team-mates in the same answer.
“They have done it with their national teams. Mikel [Merino] has scored two goals with the national team and the sensation is he deserves to play as well. But Martin [Odegaard] has been exceptional, and that’s the situation.”
He closed with a message to all the players competing for places. “The best way is when they have the chance, prove it, and then everybody’s going to be happy.”
Havertz kept his place in the starting line-up and Gyokeres began on the bench. James Justin put Leeds ahead in the 56th minute, and Riccardo Calafiori equalised in the 62nd.
Gyokeres came on in the 64th minute for Havertz, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Jurrien Timber. Guimaraes scored the winner in the 70th minute.
Gyokeres had a chance to extend the lead after a mix-up between Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford and defender Tarik Muharemovic, but could not find an angle to shoot.
In the final seconds, he played Bukayo Saka through, and Trafford saved. Merino replaced Odegaard late on.
The win followed a 3-0 defeat at Brighton on September 19, Arsenal’s heaviest since 2023. Arsenal moved to 15 points from six games, level with Manchester City, who lead on goal difference.
Viktor Gyokeres said during the international break that he was “extremely happy” at the club. He also said that not starting is frustrating, but that he focuses on what he can control.
Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 13, with kick-off at 8pm UK time. They then travel to Nottingham Forest on October 18.