Arteta defends Gyokeres as Arsenal striker’s scoring drought continues | OneFootball

Arsenal claimed an important 1-0 victory at Fulham yesterday to stay top of the Premier League.

Despite the euphoria of the Arsenal victory, there are growing concerns about summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who fired blanks once again.

Gyokeres has failed to score in nine games for club and country.

The 27-year-old has only scored three goals for the Gunners in 11 appearances following his big-money summer transfer.

However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended Gyokeres, saying (via the BBC): “He was very close today again, two or three times.

“We were all begging for him to score. The work rate he puts in for the team is phenomenal, so we try to give him support and love, and it will come.”

But no matter how Arteta tries to frame it, Gyokeres’ display was not good enough. He completed 5/9 passes and won only 1/3 aerial duels.

The Swede looked isolated, indecisive and short of confidence in front of goal, a worrying sign for a striker brought in to be Arsenal’s difference-maker.

His pressing and work rate may be admirable, but that can’t paper over the cracks of another ineffective outing.

Arsenal fans have been patient, yet the drought is starting to drag, and excuses are running thin. He has missed seven big chances already.

If he wants to silence the doubters and justify the faith his manager keeps showing, Gyokeres must find his finishing touch and fast.

A response is needed in Madrid in midweek, where Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Under the bright lights and against one of Europe’s most disciplined defences, Gyokeres will have no place to hide. It’s time to deliver.