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Arsenal fans, we need to talk about Viktor Gyokeres (yes, again)
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- Arsenal fans, we need to talk about Viktor Gyokeres (yes, again)
Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal | Mike Egerton - PA Images/GettyImages
Just last month, it was impossible to praise Viktor Gyokeres. In fact, it felt like he was running his Arsenal career into the ground. Now that the fixtures have started coming in thick and fast for the Gunners, through, Gyokeres is looking like a different animal.
Against Slavia Prague, the Swedish international was Arsenal's best player . His goal was obviously converted well, but it was almost his least impressive moment in the match - which is a huge compliment. Throughout the night, Gyokeres was linking up play with his teammates, and his technical ability was at the forefront again.
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Gyokeres has gone from zero to hero within the space of a month at Arsenal. At a time when it felt like he was past the point of no return, Gyokeres took his own fortune into his own hands, and he reminded Arsenal fans of the importance of patience.
Viktor Gyokeres has proven me, and many other Arsenal fans, wrong
I quite heavily criticised Gyokeres back in September . I said that it was unjustified to have him in the team and that he was doing nothing to convince me otherwise. I am a firm believer in giving players credit where it's due, and I have never been happier to be proven wrong by a player.
Gyokeres has made me, and many other Arsenal fans, look like a fool. And that's great. When we, as fans, criticise our players, we want them to make us look foolish.
| Viktor Gyokeres' stat |
Before Kian reacted too fast |
After Gyokeres served Kian humble pie |
|---|---|---|
| Games |
4 |
13 |
| Goals |
0 |
6 |
| Assists |
0 |
3 |
Now, I'm not saying I'm responsible for Gyokeres' uptick in form. Only he is responsible for the impressive numbers he's putting out there. What I am saying, though, is that my takes are cursed, and that curse worked out alright for us all this time round.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz give Mikel Arteta a selection headache
What's interesting about Gyokeres' return to form is that it comes at the same time as Kai Havertz. The two Arsenal strikers competing for the same position have sent the same message at the same time: they are both good enough to start for Arsenal.
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Havertz scored the goal that broke their historic Anfield hoodoo, while Gyokeres has played excellently against the likes of Slavia Prague and Bayern Munich.
At this stage, Havertz is still the dependable option in big games. He has a knack for turning up when the pressure is at its highest, and this is a splendid wildcard for Arsenal to exploit.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, is the best option when Arsenal need to carve open a defence. He has adapted his game incredibly well in recent weeks to the point where his involvement in Arsenal's attacking movements is more important than his goals.
I never thought I'd see the day when I'd throw Gyokeres forward as an option to break down a defence, but his involvement in Arsenal's patient build-up play and acting as the false nine in recent matches justifies the claim.
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Long may Gyokeres leave me with more egg on my face!
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This article was originally published on www.paininthearsenal.com as Arsenal fans, we need to talk about Viktor Gyokeres (yes, again) .
