Mikel Arteta says he has been encouraged by Viktor Gyokeres’ increased output in recent weeks after the Swede scored four goals in his last six appearances.
While it’s fair to say the jury remains out following his big-money move from Sporting Lisbon last summer, goals across three different competitions in January suggest the striker is beginning to find his rhythm within the team. That was evident against Leeds on Saturday, when he shinned home Gabriel Martinelli’s cross from close range to make sure of the points.
Asked whether he has seen signs of improvement from the 27-year-old, Arteta said: “Yes, in his all-round play and performances, I would say. He has been much more consistent in actions and consecutive action,s especially.
“His defending input has been terrific from the beginning. But attacking-wise, understanding his movement, the timings of his runs, the presence and movement of the ball has been much better.
“He has been more prolific certainly, in front of goal to help us to win more games.”
Aside from a fine strike against Inter, most of Gyokeres’ goals have come from close range (or the penalty spot) and haven’t always been easy on the eye — something that clearly doesn’t trouble his manager.
“I mean, he has the ability to do that, but goals are goals. I know that we prefer the beautiful ones on YouTube, but they are all very important and the ones we scored recently are very much the same.”
Having scored against Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, the Swede will be hoping for another opportunity when Liam Rosenior’s side visit the Emirates on Tuesday.
Chelsea have won six of their seven matches since the Englishman took charge at Stamford Bridge, though they’ve looked porous at the back, conceding nine goals during that run.
“Every team has its own things [to improve],” noted Arteta.
“I think Liam is doing an incredible job so far in different competitions as well, and tomorrow the tie has a context which is very specific – the fact that we play at home and we have the advantage – but we need to now make it very concrete in the manner that we approach the game certainly tomorrow to win it.”
A midweek London derby with a place at Wembley on the line makes for a mouthwatering occasion, even if the Carabao Cup ranks lowest among the four competitions Arsenal remain involved in.
That’s not a view Arteta subscribes to. Having not lifted major silverware since 2020, this Arsenal side know they have to start building their legacy somewhere.
“The next one is always the most important one,” said Arteta.
“It is the closest, at least [for us] to reach a final. And tomorrow we are going to have people who really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we are going to do it. And altogether, I am sure we are very capable of doing that.”