Gyokeres grabs first Gunners goal as Zubimendi catches the eye ahead of Arsenal's blockbuster Premier League opener vs Manchester United at Old Trafford
Three Takeaways from Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club Bilbao
Gyokeres grabs first Gunners goal as Zubimendi catches the eye ahead of Arsenal's blockbuster Premier League opener vs Manchester United at Old Trafford
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Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres scored his first goal in red and white, before Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, prior to Kai Havertz sealing a statement victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, ahead of the return of the Premier League next weekend.
Viktor Is A Gooner. Gyokeres pictured with his trademark celebration after scoring his first Gunners goal.
Gyokeres grabs Gunners goal
Shame on all those grotesque internet caricatures hysterically writing off Arsenal’s new big money striker already, just because he failed to score on his Emirates bow during the 3-2 defeat by Villarreal on Wednesday.
As I explained**here** I felt it was a promising debut, with the promise of so much more to come over the coming weeks, and months. Which was immediately underlined by his movement in and around the box in the early stages of Saturday’s clash against the Basques.
Even in a matter of days, it was clear to see the former Sporting Club de Portugal forward was more at ease with his surroundings, with his new club, his new teammates, and new tactics.
Players aren’t robots, they’re human beings, and, unless you’re devoid of any earthling feelings, it does take time to settle in a new environment. The trick is to have people who believe in you, as Arteta and his teammates clearly do, which can immediately put you at ease.
After one thrilling early exchange between Martin Zubimendi (see below) and Bukayo Saka along the left flank, before Starboy powered into the box, to square for the 27-year-old Swede.
If Gyokeres couldn’t make true contact with the ball to test Unai Simon - I last saw Spain’s keeper, when lifting Euro 2024 on a sweltering hot evening in Berlin little over a year ago, and he remains an excellent shotstopper - it wasn’t long until the Stockholm-born No14 showed his quality, when impishly cutting inside to leave his man for dead, before teeing up a Riccardo Calafiori drive that flew narrowly over.
After such an insipid - albeit pre-season - display against Villarreal it was a joy to note how Arsenal dominated further quality possible Champions League opposition from La Liga.
So when Zubimendi (once again, see below) impressed, this time by whipping in a perfect cross into a crowded box with pace and accuracy, along a low but searingly precise trajectory all the way to Gyokeres, all it required was a bustling yet accomplished centre forward who can head the ball emphatically well.
Never mind the strength, timing and footwork to get to the ball before his marker, or anyone else for that matter, nor the anticipation, or the timing involved to make impeccable contact with the inch-perfect cross, the fact the Emirates erupted in deep joy at the sight of Gyokeres’ header flying into the net, past a top quality keeper.
You can see he is already settling in as a popular member of the squad, as his teammates engulfed him in delight, pleased for their new pal, as much as the goal itself.
If that wasn’t enough, we then got a glimpse of Gyokeres distinctive goal celebration, which apparently stems from a line from Bane, the character played by Tom Hardy in The Dark Knight Rises film, who says: “No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”
It was perhaps a nod to those who mistrusted him at times during his career. If so, it was deliciously satisfying to watch him‘put on the mask’.
With a full week to prepare still further, who wouldn’t bet on our Viktor eclipsing former Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko - did he ever really want to come to Arsenal, or was he simply looking for the biggest payday, even if ironically RB Leipzig could have had more money if he’d signed for Newcastle.
It certainly promises to be a gripping afternoon in Manchester a week on Sunday. I can’t wait.
After Saturday’s goalscoring performance, I don’t think Viktor can either…
Zubimendi catches the eye
While Gyokeres deservedly grabbed the headlines, for discerning observers out there, those who relish quality creative midfielders, especially those who seem like they can look after themselves, there was only one Player of the Match: Martin Zubimendi
The former Real Sociedad midfielder’s performance was a treat. What makes him ideal for English football, and Arsenal, right now, is that powerfully stocky rather than diminutive, as normally befits a schemer in the middle, and is powered by athleticism as much as flair.
His touch and technique, vision and movement were throughly enjoyable to watch. Yes, you could argue it is August, the sun is shining, and we weren’t playing a team of northern cloggers, out to rile us as much as play football, but the signs are promising.
And just like his compatriot Unia Simon, I was there in Germany to watch him produce a superb performance against England to the win the Euros. I also saw him in play in the group stage against Albania in Dusseldorf, and believe me, this lad has the capacity for innovation as much as self-preservation.
I can’t wait for next Sunday.
After Saturday’s impressive Player of the Match performance, I don’t think Martin can either…
A Good Thing
Credit where credit is due to all concerned. I really like the approach the club, and fans for that matter, have towards the Emirates Cup - and any home pre-season matches.
Why?
Because, it’s almost as if the vast majority of season ticket holders kindly stand aside and allow their tickets to be used by those who wouldn’t normally get a sniff at such an occasion in N5.
It means the crowd, dare I say it, is younger, more diverse, and more vibrant than a normal league game.
From my vantage point in the press box (and before at Arsenal tube, while flogging the Gooner) it was great to see so many families, as well as supporters representing the vast number of different nationalities that London is home to, the majority wearing all manner of new and old Arsenal kits.
It made for a spectacle, but far more importantly allows youngsters the chance to watch their heroes - something that is hugely important when looking towards the future of the club, and the game in general.
I started attending Arsenal games regularly when I was ten - so by the time I was an adult (in age if not maturity I hasten to add) I’d already had nearly a decade of week-in-week out match-going loyalty under my belt.
Things change. These days people class themselves as passionate fans but yet have never been to a live Gunners game, nor, to be fair have had a real chance - which should concern the powers that be.
It’s important for those who claim allegiance to attend matches, if only to experience the reality of playing football, and attending football as a fan.
In the online world everything is either a triumph or disaster.
But when you’re at a game, you can see the effort the players put in, even if they aren’t grabbing the headlines.
Which means attending matches is a form of education which can only help translate a more balanced and nuanced feel to online opinions.
So, if you’re someone who’s been coating off, say Gabi Martinelli on Twitter because he might miss a chance or two, if you’re at the game, you can see how hard he works, how much he runs off the ball for the cause, and maybe, just maybe, understand that cheering your team is far better than abusing them on social media.
That is why matches such as the Emirates Cup count - on and off the pitch.
Oooh to be a Gooner. The Arsenal crowd at the Emirates Cup. CREDIT:
Layth (@laythy29)
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