Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised striker Viktor Gyökeres for significantly boosting the team’s tactical unpredictability and overall performance, following a two-goal Champions League display against Atlético Madrid that countered previous criticism.
Gyökeres, who faced “ferocious criticism” from English commentators since joining the London club, scored twice in the recent match. Arteta highlighted the Swedish international’s broader impact beyond his goal-scoring ability.
“He deserves it, for everything he has given to the team in various areas, besides the goals,” Arteta said. “It was a matter of continuing to believe in himself, enjoying that emotional state he can enjoy and playing freely.”
Arteta noted that Gyökeres’s teammates shared in his satisfaction after the performance. “Today he definitely did that and had a big smile on his face. Look at his teammates, everyone is happy for him, he deserves the two goals.”
The Spanish coach affirmed that Gyökeres has “improved Arsenal’s game.” “We all like him because he makes us a better team. I think we have become more unpredictable.”
Arteta described Gyökeres as a “very physical player” who “opens spaces for everyone.” He also lauded the striker’s defensive contributions and ball retention, calling them “phenomenal.”
“And the icing on the cake are the goals. He scored two today, very different from each other,” Arteta added, expressing hope that the performance marks “the start of a new goal sequence.”
Gyökeres has now accumulated five goals in 12 appearances for Arsenal since his summer transfer from Sporting.