Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta has defended striker Viktor Gyokeres after one other quiet sport in an enormous match. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester Metropolis on the Emirates Stadium. Gyokeres, who value the membership £64 million in the summertime, didn’t have a single shot or create a lot hazard in opposition to Metropolis, leaving some followers disenchanted.
Gyokeres performed the total 90 minutes however solely touched the ball 24 occasions — fewer than another participant on the pitch. He had no pictures, no profitable dribbles, misplaced the ball 13 occasions, and handed with simply 62% accuracy. Arsenal managed to earn some extent due to a late aim from Gabriel Martinelli after Erling Haaland scored first for Metropolis.
Regardless of this, Arteta defended Gyokeres, saying the group must do extra to assist him play nicely. He mentioned, “There have been a number of good balls into the field, and I keep in mind thrice when he was very near scoring. It’s very laborious to get large possibilities, however he’s attempting his greatest. We now have to present him extra help. There have been possibilities as we speak however the closing move was lacking.”
To this point, Gyokeres has struggled to make an affect in Arsenal’s greatest video games. His three targets this season have come in opposition to weaker groups like Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Followers are apprehensive as a result of Arsenal spent quite a bit to signal him. Nonetheless, Arteta’s public help reveals he nonetheless believes within the Swedish striker, although there’s strain on Gyokeres to carry out in large matches.
Arsenal’s subsequent matches are a Carabao Cup sport in opposition to Port Vale after which a Premier League journey to face Newcastle United. Arteta might relaxation some gamers for the cup sport, however Gyokeres is anticipated to start out in opposition to Newcastle subsequent Sunday.
