Mikel Arteta has defended Viktor Gyokeres after another quiet display from the striker raised further questions. The £64million summer signing has managed just one Premier League goal since September, and in the win over Wolves, he had only 15 touches in 81 minutes.
Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement from both the striker and his teammates. 'It's a collaboration between the two,' he said. 'He was in a lot of really good positions and the ball didn't get into the area quick enough, sharp enough or just with the precision that is required for a No.9 to score the goal.'
Gyokeres' style differs from previous Arsenal strikers like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who drop deep and link play. Gyokeres relies more on service, and his best spell against Wolves came when Leandro Trossard was on the pitch. Trossard played a clipped ball over the top for Gyokeres, who created space and dragged a shot wide.
Arteta insists the team must do more to get the best out of the striker, drawing parallels to how Manchester City adapted to Erling Haaland. However, Gyokeres himself can offer more, particularly in holding up the ball and reacting to crosses. His Premier League goals this season have come against lower-table sides.
Gyokeres has not scored since returning from a hamstring injury. Arteta urged patience: 'Leave him alone, let him do what he does best, be behind him and I'm sure things will turn out in the right way.'
