Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is gearing up for a pivotal match as Arsenal faces Chelsea, with the Arsenal striker on the brink of surpassing a record held by Chelsea icon Didier Drogba. Having already scored twice in the North London Derby, Gyokeres has the opportunity to eclipse Drogba’s first-season goal tally with three months remaining in the season. This potential feat highlights his impressive form and contribution to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Mikel Arteta said: “I have a beautiful apartment, but this guy has the biggest mansion in the world [pointing to his press officer colleague]. So my apartment is terrible? But I can be so proud that I worked so hard to get it and pay the debts of my apartment and refurbish it and have a beautiful kitchen. I go to his house, and I get depressed. So it depends on the eyes that you look at it. So I think what [Viktor’s] doing is improvable, yes. But I think his contribution, I think it’s been important so far.”
Arteta continued: “I think he was [frustrated]. I don’t know internally how he felt. We tried to speak to the players to understand the reason why we made certain decisions. As well, I think it gave him a little bit of a breather because he was playing so much as well. And don’t forget that he had that injury that stopped him for five weeks as well. So the schedule has been so demanding, the expectation on him as well. I think it was a good time to navigate a little bit more. He came on in games when obviously the physical aspect of the game was dying a little bit, and he could have a massive impact. And from there I think he’s taken off.”
Gyokeres’s journey this season has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Despite facing competition from Gabriel Jesus, who returned from a long injury lay-off, Gyokeres has managed to make a significant impact on the pitch. Arteta acknowledged that the 27-year-old striker experienced frustration when benched in favor of Jesus, but this period allowed Gyokeres to recharge and return stronger.
Eberechi Eze, another player who has recently hit a rich vein of form, also scored twice last weekend. Arteta noted that Eze’s resurgence is timely, considering his impressive 24 goal contributions in the last 31 league games. Arteta expressed optimism about Eze’s potential to maintain this momentum for the remainder of the season.
Arteta added: “He can do [kick on]. Now he has got many more months and games and understanding of what the games require for him to make the difference. I hope that it’s the case and that he smashes it from here until the end of the season.”
As Arsenal prepares for their clash with Chelsea, Gyokeres stands on the cusp of a personal milestone, with the potential to break Drogba’s record serving as a testament to his growing influence in the Premier League. With Arteta’s backing and the striker’s determination, Gyokeres is poised to leave a lasting mark this season.
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