Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Viktor Gyökeres, highlighting the Swedish striker’s mental resilience and impact on the team despite the pressure that comes with wearing the iconic No. 9 shirt.
Speaking about his summer signing, Arteta said:
“He brings so much to the team and watching the games back, I’m very pleased with what he’s given to the team.”
“I told him before the first meeting, I said, the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure is gone, the expectation is going to be there.”
“So if you put a number nine shirt for Arsenal, you have to be able to say, OK, six games, don’t score. I’m a different player, I start to act in a different way. I want much more of the same of what he’s doing.”
Arteta’s comments underline the demanding standards at the Emirates, where strikers are expected not only to deliver goals but also to contribute in all phases of play. Gyökeres has quickly adapted to Arsenal’s high-pressing, fluid attacking system, showing strength, work rate, and tactical awareness, even when not on the scoresheet.
Arteta added confidently:
“Once we have those opportunities, put them in. I’m sure it’s going to happen.”
The Arsenal manager’s faith in his frontman comes as the Premier League witnesses a thrilling start from several big-money forwards. Alongside Gyökeres’ three goals, fellow newcomers Hugo Ekitike and Nick Woltemade, both valued at €95 million, have also netted three times each, drawing widespread praise for their impressive early-season form.
With Gyökeres matching their output and earning his manager’s trust, Arsenal fans will be hopeful that the Swede’s blend of power, mentality, and persistence will soon translate into a flood of goals, and perhaps, a serious push for the Premier League crown.
