Arteta Hails Gyokeres: Arsenal Manager Praises Striker's Timely Goals

Mikel Arteta warmly embracing Viktor Gyokeres after the striker's match-winning brace against Atletico Madrid 

Viktor Gyokeres silenced his critics with a match-winning performance, scoring twice as Arsenal thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League.

The £64m signing's brace marked a welcome return to form for the striker, who had gone nine games without scoring for club and country...

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lavished praise on striker Viktor Gyokeres after he ended a nine-game goal drought. Gyokeres scored twice in Arsenal's 4-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, silencing critics who questioned his form this season.

“He makes us a much better team,” Arteta said, highlighting Gyokeres' physical presence and ability to press and hold the ball. The Swede's brace earned him a standing ovation from Arsenal fans as he was substituted late on, with Arteta insisting he fully deserved the recognition.

Gyokeres now has five goals for the season, including three in the Premier League, and expressed his relief at returning to form. “It's a reward for the team, but of course, me as well,” he said. “I do my best all the time, work hard and contribute with different stuff. It'll come sooner or later.”

“I think he deserved it because everything that we were seeing in terms of what he was bringing to the team and how much he was helping the team in many areas, apart from scoring goals in the last few weeks,” Arteta told reporters.

“There was no debate about that. It was about keeping that belief in himself, that emotional state that he can enjoy and play freely. I look at his teammates as well, in the picture and the video, they are all so happy for him.”

"He fully deserves it, he makes us a much better team"

Mikel Arteta praises "phenomenal" Viktor Gyokeres after he scored twice for Arsenal in their 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid 🔴 pic.twitter.com/RfjzRUGnHk

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 22, 2025

Gyokeres' opening goal was a fortunate affair, his weak shot deflecting into the net. He then sealed the win with a clinical finish, tapping in from close range after Gabriel headed a corner into his path.

“He makes us a much better team. I think we've become much more unpredictable. He's so physical, the way he presses the ball, holds the ball, that's phenomenal,” Arteta said.

“He's scored two very different ones today, and hopefully he starts to get some momentum and a good run of goals.”

Viktor Gyokeres has now scored five goals this season, with three coming in the Premier League. The striker was visibly relieved to end his goal drought, beaming with joy after his brace against Atletico Madrid.

“(It's reward) for the team, but of course, me as well,” he said of the win that maintained Arsenal's 100% start in the Champions League. “I do my best all the time, work hard and contribute with different stuff. It'll come sooner or later.”