Viktor Gyökeres got off the mark in the Premier League with a brace in front of the home fans. He is one of three new faces in the Arsenal attack, and with top talent by his side, the Swedish striker spoke highly about the Gunners, who he believes can become a "massive threat going forward."
‘It was a great feeling’
**Arsenal**played a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium for the first time this season. Their only two outings at their ground in preseason were against **Villarreal**and Athletic Club earlier this month. Still settling in to life in the capital city, the 27-year-old is appreciative of the fanbase.
“It was amazing to feel that support from minute one to the end. It gives you that extra energy to keep going and of course, to win 5-0 and keep another clean sheet was great.”
He reflected on the performance over the ninety minutes. Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka allowed the hosts to breathe more easily at the break, but the striker spoke well about a dominant display.
“I think we started off well, had a couple of chances. We scored two in the first half, and I had a good chance in the first half that I should have scored. We just kept going in the second half, and of course, it was a great feeling to score early on.”
Gyökeres is gaining fitness after he sat on the sidelines in Portugal, going on strike to seal the switch from **Sporting**to North London. He had no shots in the hour he played at Old Trafford, battling with Matthijs de Ligt. But he was grateful for the chance to sharpen his tools for the trip to Anfield.
“It felt good. It was nice to get 90 minutes, of course, to get the rhythm going and play with the guys even more. I think it was a good game overall. It felt good today, of course, scoring two goals and the team scoring five goals. I think that showed that we can be a massive threat going forward.”
Most will judge him by his output in front of goal, but Mikel Arteta always demands work rate from the whole group. The Gunners have got their second clean sheet of the season, pleasing the striker.
“We have a lot of great players attacking but also, it's very important with the defending as well.”
The high press lacked intensity last weekend, but it almost produced a goal for the Swede in the first half when Anton Stach stumbled with the ball. The summer signing is getting used to the defensive demands of his new manager, and he felt that the defensive effort was more coordinated in this match.
“I think we pressed very good and didn't give them much time on the ball. We deserved this win.”