Mikel Arteta claims he was ‘begging’ for something to happen during Arsenal’s victory over Fulham on Saturday evening.
Leandro Trossard scored the game’s solitary goal, tapping home at the back post after Gabriel Magalhaes had flicked on a Bukayo Saka corner.
Despite struggling for large periods of the clash in West London, the Gunners were able to lean on their defensive resilience to secure all three points.
Arsenal now sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, three ahead of Manchester City and four clear of Liverpool, who face Manchester United on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta says he was ‘begging’ for Viktor Gyokeres to score against Fulham
Viktor Gyokeres was poor for Arsenal against Fulham.
The Swede was invisible in the opening 45 minutes, managing just a handful of touches, while he was physically dominated by Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca.
He certainly improved as the match went on, finding himself in some dangerous positions as a result of his dynamic movement, but he still lacked conviction in front of goal.
Taking his first-half chance too early, he then lashed a second shot over the bar before firing his third into Bernd Leno’s midriff.
Gyokeres now has a return of three goals in his opening eleven appearances for the Gunners, and clearly needs to find the back of the net to regain his confidence.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta revealed that he was ‘begging’ for the 27-year-old to dispatch a chance before the full-time whistle.
“He was very close today again, two or three times,” the manager said.
“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.”
Mikel Arteta is subtly sending a message to Arsenal fans with his comments
The reaction to Gyokeres’ performance online was certainly not positive.
The striker was receiving pelters for his display, with many criticising his lack of technical quality in certain instances.
He looks somewhat devoid of confidence, and Arteta’s post-match comments may actually have been reflective of a manager sending a subtle message to supporters to remain patient with him.
“We try to give him support and love, and it will come,” the coach said.
This clearly sounds like the tactician is urging fans to support the player through this difficult period, as this will ultimately help him overcome this adversity and start producing.
Unfortunately, there is only so much patience fans will be willing to show, and he has to start delivering results sooner rather than later.
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