Arsenal boss Arteta leans on Gyokeres for Sporting scoop | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has revealed he has spoken to Viktor Gyokeres for inside information about Champions League opponents Sporting CP.

Gyokeres signed for Arsenal from the Portuguese champions last summer and will face his former team in the Champions League quarter-finals this evening.

Arteta said Gyokeres was ‘excited’ about the reunion with Sporting, and revealed how he has leaned on the Sweden international’s inside knowledge of the Primeira Liga outfit.

“Of course I did, just to understand the dynamics, the culture here, the things that they have talked about, the things that they have obviously discussed when they play against us,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.

“And to have more information about them that we can use in our favour. A lot of qualities, obviously what they’re doing is remarkable. The record that they have at home is just incredible. So you need to be very good to maintain that level of performance and consistency.”

Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting in Portugal, but has endured a more modest start in England. However, the Swede is Arsenal’s leading scorer this season and now has 17 goals for the campaign in all competitions.

Arteta was asked whether Gyokeres had lived up to expectations since signing last summer and said the season’s success will depend on what Arsenal achieve as a team.

“I think it’s where he is and how successful this season is going to be for us and when we analyse his season, it’s going to be defined in the last seven or eight weeks of the season, that’s clear.”

Read – Arteta confident Arsenal can handle scrutiny after cup exits

See more – What TV channel is Sporting vs Arsenal? How to watch Champions League quarter-final tie

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube