Viktor Gyokeres has finally found his goalscoring touch, but the Arsenal striker insists trophies are his real target. The 27-year-old has scored 21 goals in all competitions, with 17 goal involvements since the turn of the year, and is coming good at the business end of the season.
Gyokeres was on target in the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid and scored twice against Fulham last Saturday. Despite his hot streak since his £64m arrival last summer, he is more concerned about winning major prizes as Premier League leaders Arsenal prepare for the second leg at the Emirates.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has told the players they can 'define the history of the club', and that is what is driving Gyokeres rather than personal accolades. 'Yes, you want to score goals and to reach that is a good thing. But the most important things are coming this month,' Gyokeres said.
Gyokeres also helped Sweden reach the World Cup finals with a hat-trick against Ukraine and a dramatic late winner in the play-off final against Poland. 'To do that with your country and to get to the World Cup... it gives me a lot of confidence,' he added.
Known among teammates for his unshakeable belief, Gyokeres recalled advice from Arteta before he signed about adapting to English football. 'The biggest challenge is to adapt and to come into a new routine and a new country... you have to do it quickly and be ready for all the challenges,' he said.
Gyokeres' penalty in the first leg kept the tie level, and he has now scored 27 successful penalties in a row. As Arsenal chase silverware, his form could prove decisive.
