Mikel Arteta backs Viktor Gyökeres after early-season struggles | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyökeres (27), insisting the Swedish striker’s barren run in front of goal will not last. The 27-year-old has now gone five games without scoring, but his overall performance in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday suggested a breakthrough may be close.

While Gyökeres was again denied by fine margins, most notably when his deflected strike struck the post in the build-up to Gabriel Martinelli’s opener, Arteta praised his contribution beyond goals. “What I sense is that he’s doing better and better things every game,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “He was denied a few times with blocks, and then he hit the post, but I think overall his performance was exceptional.”

Arteta emphasised the forward’s relentless pressing and link-up play, insisting Gyökeres is helping the side even without scoring. “We want him to be scoring goals, but if he doesn’t do that, at least he’s doing everything for the team. He’s helping a lot.”

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against a struggling West Ham side, and Arteta is hopeful his striker’s fortunes could turn. “Hopefully the floodgates open, maybe this weekend,” he added.

GFN | Finn Entwistle