Mikel Arteta credits the striker’s relentless work ethic and chemistry-building for his record-breaking form, proving vital as the Gunners chase Premier League and Champions League glory.
Mikel Arteta says Viktor Gyokeres’ improvement at Arsenal has not happened overnight, pointing to the striker’s work ethic and desire to build stronger connections with his teammates.
Gyokeres has found form at a crucial stage of the season, scoring twice against Fulham before playing an important role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid.
The striker did not score in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, but his movement in behind helped create the decisive goal. Gyokeres chased the ball over the top, kept the move alive and Arsenal eventually worked the opening for Bukayo Saka to finish from close range.
That performance followed a more clinical display against Fulham, when Gyokeres scored twice and also assisted Saka in a 3-0 Premier League win.
Asked about Gyokeres’ hold-up play improving, Arteta said the progress has been built over a longer period.
“I’ve noticed it from the beginning,” Arteta said. “I think some of the things you see, certain improvements from players, the work probably hasn’t been done a day or two days before - it’s been done through months.
“Maybe months ago, but it hasn’t happened overnight.”
Gyokeres’ first season at Arsenal has carried plenty of scrutiny, but his output has remained strong. He has already passed 20 goals in all competitions and recently became the first Arsenal player since Alexis Sanchez in 2014/15 to score 20 or more goals in his first season at the club.
Arteta suggested the striker’s own standards have been central to his progress.
“Viktor has been working extremely hard,” he said. “The demands he puts on himself are extremely high.
“He always wants to learn, he’s always asking questions, he always wants to do extra things.”
That willingness to improve has become increasingly important as Arsenal’s attacking relationships have developed. Injuries and rotation across the front line have meant Gyokeres has not always had a settled group around him, but recent performances have shown more understanding between the striker and those supplying him.
Saka’s return has been particularly important. The winger assisted Gyokeres against Fulham before scoring from the striker’s involvement against Atletico, giving Arsenal another sign that their attacking connections are improving at the right time.
Arteta said Gyokeres has actively worked to build those relationships.
“He’s always trying to find ways to find those connections with his teammates - whether that be in the canteen, in the dressing room or on the pitch,” Arteta said.
“At the end, when you have that kind of behaviour, you get rewards.”
Arsenal now need those rewards to continue. With the Premier League title race still alive and a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain to come, Gyokeres’ form could have a major say in how the season ends.
His recent displays have given Arteta reason to believe the improvements are real, and the timing could hardly be better.