Gyokeres, Rice & Arteta agree Swede can ‘do it more often’ after scoring v Chelsea | OneFootball

Viktor Gyökeres said he can “do it more often” after scoring and assisting in Arsenal’s 3-2 win away to Chelsea in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The 27-year-old struck early in the second half at Stamford Bridge, capitalising on a mistake from Robert Sanchez to make it 2-0 after pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area with the goal open. “That’s what I’m going to do and I can do it more often,” Gyökeres told Sky Sports after the match.

The goal was his first for the club in domestic cup competition and his eighth overall since arriving from Sporting Club last summer, with five in the league and two in the Champions League.

He later provided the assist for Martin Zubimendi to make it 3-1, turning the ball on inside the box.

Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea to reduce the deficit and leave the tie more finely poised than it should be ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February.

“It was a tough game,” the Swede added as he was presented with the Player of the Match award.

“We defended ourselves well. They were dangerous on counterattacks. Unfortunately, we let in two but we made three in front, so I’m happy about that, ”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta said of his striker, “The expectation is always to score, and we demand much more than that,” branding it a “really good performance” from Gyökeres. “Viktor has been exceptional in many departments.

“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.”

Declan Rice said, “Without him making that run from Gabi [Martinelli’s] flick and holding it, and setting it to Martin, the goal would not have happened for us to turn the game on its head.

“I see this guy every day. I see his finishing, how hard he hits a ball. When that space arrives for him and the ball’s arriving at his feet to score goals, he will 100 per cent score.

“But defenders in the Premier League want to be able stop Viktor Gyokeres because he’s one of the best strikers in the world – naturally when you play the best players.

“It’s tough for him because he’s got two defenders on him all game, so he has to use his strength or whatever he can to help the team.

“Trust me, he’s doing unbelievably for us. We wouldn’t be where we are without him.”