When Arsenal splashed out around £64 million on Viktor Gyokeres last summer, the pressure was immediate. Critics questioned whether the Sweden international, who had dazzled in Portugal with 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, could replicate that form in the Premier League. Now, with 21 goals in all competitions this season, Gyokeres is proving his worth.
His double in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Fulham not only lifted the Gunners six points clear at the top of the table but also made him the first Arsenal player to score 20 or more goals in his debut season since Alexis Sanchez in 2014-15. The performance followed a Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, where Gyokeres scored a crucial penalty.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the striker's contributions, saying, "In Madrid, especially the first half, he was really good, and today, all the minutes he played, his contribution with the goals... every attacking action he was involved in. He scored two great goals. Position-wise, timing-wise — it's something we've been working on. This will give him a big boost of energy and confidence."
Despite criticism about his all-round play, Gyokeres's goals are driving Arsenal closer to silverware. If he continues this form, the early doubts will be long forgotten.