Daniel Sturridge has given Mikel Arteta and Arsenal some advice on how to potentially get Viktor Gyokeres scoring goals for fun like Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
It was Viktor Gyokeres against Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford, and despite the result going the Swede’s way, his performance was a little underwhelming.
Gyokeres had no shots on goal and barely got a sniff on Sunday afternoon. After arriving for £64m from Sporting Lisbon, fans expect goals sooner rather than later.
Viktor Gyokeres in action during Manchester United vs Arsenal
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Which is why they may need to listen to the advice of former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
Daniel Sturridge explains how to get Viktor Gyokeres firing for Arsenal
Speaking post-match in the Arsenal against Manchester United clash to Sky Sports, Sturridge outlines exactly how the Gunners can get the most out of their new signing.
“I think they need to score different types of goals to take the next step – more penetrative passes in the central areas, which, in turn, will give Gyokeres more opportunities to score.
“I think a lot of the goals he will end up scoring will be like the ones [Erling] Haaland scores: one-touch finishes in the box, poaching in the six-yard area.
“I also think he thrives, similar to Haaland, off those penetrative passes around the box, which give him the chance to make a burst over a few yards and get his shot off.”
Gyokeres is just that – a poacher. With Kai Havertz naturally fitting the way Arsenal want to play, Mikel Arteta now needs to adapt with his new man and play to Gyokeres’ strengths.
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
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Gyokeres trains like an animal, so he must be impressing behind the scenes. But to really maximise his potential, it may be worth tweaking tactics. Arsenal aren’t exactly short of players who have the key to unlock the former Coventry forward.
Martin Zubimendi key to unlocking Gyokeres
Zubimendi and Gyokeres have already linked up in pre-season, and the Spaniard has the passing ability to provide what Sturridge is asking for.
The midfielder’s pinpoint passes can provide assist after assist for Gyokeres – if Arsenal adapt their style of play.
The wingers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, also need to understand how Gyokeres operates. Once this happens, the cogs will start turning, and things will fall into place.
Arteta knew Gyokeres was the one – now he must play to his strengths at the Emirates.