Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has issued a clear demand for greater creativity from his teammates following a damaging late defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Villa Park Defeat Dents Title Hopes
The Gunners suffered only their second Premier League loss of the season at Villa Park, a result that significantly tightens the title race. Matty Cash gave Unai Emery's side a first-half lead, which was cancelled out after the break by Leandro Trossard. However, a late strike from Argentine playmaker Emi Buendia secured all three points for the hosts.
The defeat means Arsenal's lead at the summit has been cut to a precarious two-point advantage over reigning champions Manchester City. Speaking after the final whistle, Gyokeres admitted the dressing room was dejected but emphasised the need to focus on the games ahead.
Gyokeres Calls for Improved Chance Creation
The Swedish international, who has scored four league goals since his big-money summer move from Sporting Lisbon, pinpointed where his side must improve. He stressed that the key to unlocking his own scoring form, and the team's success, lies in generating more opportunities.
"We have to keep creating chances and get shots on goal because then you'll eventually score more goals," Gyokeres stated. "So yes, that's of course a positive and we just need to do things in between also a bit better."
Reflecting on the nature of the loss, he added: "It's football. If you score in the last few seconds or minutes, that is an unbelievable feeling, so it goes both ways. Today, unfortunately, it was the other way."
Arteta Backs Squad to Bounce Back
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed his striker's sentiments, urging his players to use the setback as motivation. He highlighted the challenging schedule and remained bullish about his team's ability to respond.
"That's the league," Arteta said. "We've been 18 games unbeaten and still we are there, very close to each other. That's the level of the league and we know that. Now it's time to bounce back."
Arsenal must now regroup quickly, with attention turning to a midweek Champions League fixture against Club Brugge at the Emirates Stadium. They then have an immediate chance to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they host bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend.
