Viktor Gyokeres
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Viktor Gyokeres, with his wealth of experience from winning consecutive titles in Portugal, has been a key asset for Arsenal this season. As the Gunners approach the final stages of the 2025/26 campaign, Gyokeres has emphasized the importance of focus and enjoyment in the title race, despite the heavy expectations on the team.
Viktor Gyokeres said: “You have to be so focused every game and take every game as seriously as you can, no matter who you play. All the points that you get count in the end. You have to think like that, but also not to get too frustrated if it doesn’t go your way because it’s always a long season and there’s still a lot to play for. Even now, when we’re in April, there’s a lot of games still to play, we just have to focus on doing our job and to enjoy it. Not think too much about what can happen or how the end result is going to be. I think the most important thing is to play football and to enjoy it on the pitch.”
Arsenal’s squad depth and experience have been bolstered significantly this season. Manager Mikel Arteta has strategically added players with winning pedigrees, such as Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, and Piero Hincapie, alongside the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke. These additions have been crucial in maintaining Arsenal’s strong performance both offensively and defensively.
Viktor Gyokeres said: “Every player has different experiences through their careers and different feelings about the same situations. But with the same intentions as everyone else in the club, and together with everyone. We have a lot of players in the team who have won trophies, and that’s what we want to do again this season.”
The influence of Gabriel Heinze, who joined the coaching staff, has been notable. His experience as a Premier League, Ligue 1, and La Liga winner has brought a positive energy to the team, further enhancing Arsenal’s chances of success.
Viktor Gyokeres said: “I think he brings a lot of good energy into the group. He has a good drive in him, and I think that spreads throughout the group. A lot of experience as a player as well. He brings a lot.”
Gyokeres, in his first season with Arsenal, has embraced the club’s holistic approach to player development under Arteta. Despite initial challenges, he has shown resilience and determination to improve continuously.
Viktor Gyokeres said: “It’s been very interesting. A lot of new things, you learn a lot every day here. So, in that sense, it’s great. He tries to improve us every day, individually and as a team. I just try to be the best I can in training and in the games.”
Arteta’s expectations for his players are clear, particularly for those wearing the number nine shirt. He demands resilience and the ability to handle pressure, a challenge Gyokeres has embraced with confidence.
Mikel Arteta said: “I told him, before the first meeting, the [number] nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, we have to go somewhere else. Because the pressure, the expectation is going to be there so if you put on the number nine shirt for Arsenal, you have to be able to say, ‘six games, don’t score, am I a different player? And start to act in a different way. I want much more of the same of what he’s doing and yeah, when we have to opportunities [put them away]. I am sure he is going to do it.”
Gyokeres remains unfazed by pressure, viewing nerves as a sign of passion and commitment to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
Viktor Gyokeres said: “I think if you feel nerves, I think it means that it matters for you. I think it’s not bad if you take it in the right way and you put that energy in the right direction. So to have nerves, I think it’s not a bad thing. It’s just bad if you convert it into something negative, and it depends on how you handle those emotions.”
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