Mikel Arteta has insisted that Viktor Gyokeres is not appreciated enough after the striker helped Arsenal to a 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal for £64 million in the summer, has faced intense scrutiny over his performances, having not scored a non-penalty goal since November 1 before the match. He ended that drought by pouncing on a Robert Sanchez error for Arsenal's second goal and also provided a fine assist for Martin Zubimendi.
Arteta defended the Sweden international, saying: 'Yes, for a lot of the things that he's done, it's exactly the same. I think he had a really good performance. Overall, I think what he brings to the team. It's a lot, sometimes I understand that people cannot appreciate it, we certainly do that and on top of that he got rewarded with a goal.'
Arteta also praised Zubimendi, who scored his second goal in five matches, describing him as a complete midfielder. 'Well I think when we talk about Zubi, what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants,' Arteta said. 'He's carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels, and he has a talent when he gets into the final third and into the box.'
Arsenal missed chances to make it 4-1, with Mikel Merino denied by Sanchez and Gabriel heading over. Alejandro Garnacho scored late for Chelsea to leave the tie finely poised at 3-2 ahead of the second leg in north London.
