Viktor Gyokeres showcased his talent during Arsenal’s electrifying 3-2 away victory at Bournemouth, demonstrating his ability to occupy multiple defenders and create crucial opportunities for his teammates. The match, held on a cool Saturday afternoon, saw Gyokeres play a pivotal role, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for the Gunners this season.
Ever since the Premier League season began, Gyokeres has faced stiff but distinct challenges. Yet he consistently ends up with less space to work with than any player in the entire league. Despite this close marking, he has proliferated in many positive areas of his game, most notably in high-press situations. His performance against Chelsea further exemplified this, where he made significant contributions and was instrumental in turning the tide for his team.
Against Chelsea, Gyokeres showed just how good he is with an in-behind run from a Gabriel Martinelli headed flick-on. He was vital not just to hold the ball when pressured but released Martin Ødegaard for an important goal. This kind of play really highlights how intelligent Gyokeres is with regards to creating space. His poise has handed Arsenal a clinically useful increase alongside the street this season.
Gyokeres was inches away from finding the back of the net early on at Stamford Bridge. His long deflected shot sailed just wide of the far post! His unbridled desire to create scoring chances never let up. He stabbed the ball home vs Chelsea in a goalmouth melee with two defenders. This goal was just one of many that showcased his knack for finding himself in the right position at the right time.
Most recently, Gyokeres netted a brace against Atletico Madrid and scored again against Burnley just ten days after his first. This exceptional finishing output has made him a crucial member of Mikel Arteta’s roster.
Arteta expressed admiration for Gyokeres’ contributions, stating, “Of course, his best quality is putting the ball in the back of the net, but he was in those positions many times today.” Such high praise highlights just how important of a missing piece Gyokeres was for the team’s attacking fluidity.
Additionally, his assist for Martin Zubimendi is a great example of Gyokeres’s output extending beyond being a pure striker. He pulls multiple defenders to him and opens up space for guys like Crosser and other dangerous attackers to operate. This new, essential role greatly improves Arsenal’s tactical setup.
Gyokeres is developing into both, as a player. Largely, he’s not been able to find his rhythm, never having played with a natural center forward these last three seasons. Yet, by virtue of his own relentless resourcefulness and remarkable talent, he’s been able to stay successful in the face of all that.
Declan Rice, reflecting on Gyokeres’ influence during the match against Bournemouth, remarked, “Without him making that run from Gabi’s flick and holding it, and setting it to Martin, the goal would not have happened for us to turn the game on its head.” This speaks volumes not just to Gyokeres’ technical ability but to his awareness of the game and understanding of drifting into space.
Arteta isn’t getting too carried away with Gyokeres’ promise though and makes it clear he has demanding standards. “The expectation is always to score, and we demand much more than that,” he stated. This yearning premium mirrors their own team, where every single player on the roster matters to their success, as they chase down trophies.
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