Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres
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Managers facing questions about the variety of their team’s goals often emphasise that the method matters less than the result. Criticism focused on set-pieces can overlook open-play contributions that still require precise movement and timing. Defending the overall attacking output becomes necessary when results have improved after an earlier setback.
A striker who is yet to find the net this season remains part of the conversation even when the team is winning. Limited starts do not automatically reduce the work rate shown in training or the willingness to improve. Those details are cited as reasons why the player continues to be viewed as an option regardless of the current goal tally.
Squad depth is tested when several players are unavailable for weeks at a time. Alternatives who have stepped in and performed well provide a measure of reassurance. Recovery and availability then become the priority ahead of the next fixture rather than any broader structural debate.
Mikel Arteta has responded to criticism of Arsenal’s goals and outlined his stance on Viktor Gyokeres. The manager spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
On the recent results, Arteta said: “We responded really well in the last two matches. We produced very good performances and results, and now we are focused only on the match against Nottingham Forest, which I know will be very difficult.
“We will do everything we can to score goals and to prevent conceding them as well. They are a very well-coached team, and we have faced Oliver Glasner in the past. They are a team capable of creating a very special momentum at home and we are ready for that.”
Addressing comments about how Arsenal score, he added: “We are being criticised for scoring goals. Regardless of the way we score, the team is showing a wonderful attacking flow, and we have scored some beautiful goals. The value of all the goals is exactly the same. We have to be a team that scores in many different ways and makes things difficult for the opponent.”
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Arteta also praised Jurrien Timber’s return. “We can see how important he is in the team. When he is in his best physical condition, he is an incredible player who can really change the way you attack, with the ferocity he has in the defensive side of the game. He also has a real personality on the pitch, so it is wonderful to have him at this level.” He noted that Timber overcame a difficult injury and used the summer to challenge himself further.
On Gyokeres, Arteta said: “This is just a phase in a player’s career or in the season. We are trying to help him as much as possible. A striker’s brilliance depends on very fine details. Scoring goals certainly changes the language of the conversation, but it does not change our conviction about how much he can help the team.
“What the player is showing is incredible will and determination, and a wonderful work rate to improve and to help his team-mates. This is the Viktor we see every day, regardless of his situation, whether he scores or not, and that is why he always remains an option to play.”
Regarding squad depth, he added: “Our thoughts are on how the players recover and how to get them in the best possible condition for the next match. There is a lot of talk about this, but it does not look like it will change. Obviously, when someone is out for several weeks, the squad becomes less dense. Are we less dense at left back or centre back? Yes. What we want is players who have enough strength to always be available, and when they are not, someone else steps in. The good thing is that someone else has come in, whether it is Eze or Nwaneri, and played really well.”
Arsenal travel to the City Ground on Sunday. Arteta’s comments focus on the recent performances, the value of goals scored in different ways, and continued support for Gyokeres as the team prepare for a difficult away fixture.