Viktor Gyokeres had a huge impact after coming off the Arsenal bench against Sunderland.
The Sweden international has received a ton of criticism this season, but he has mostly been brilliant for Mikel Arteta since the turn of the year.
At the Emirates on Saturday, Gyokeres replaced Gabriel Jesus at the hour mark, and just a few minutes later, he scored through a powerful strike from inside the box. Then, in stoppage time, he doubled his tally after a lung-bursting run from Gabriel Martinelli.
It was an afternoon to remember for the former Sporting CP man, but what he did before his first strike impressed us the most.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Sunderland? Tell us why!
Viktor Gyokeres showed elite mentality just before Arsenal’s second goal vs Sunderland
Viktor Gyokeres has had to listen to a lot of comments about him this season.
A lot of them have been ridiculous overreactions, but the one complaint he has to accept is how he never dominated the box.
Whenever the ball was in Arsenal’s wide areas, Gyokeres would always make his way to the far post. He rarely ever made aggressive near-post runs.
That led to accusations from some that the Swede would hide in big moments, but he showed real ownership against Sunderland on Saturday.
When the ball was out wide, Martinelli, who was behind Gyokeres, started jogging towards the left flank to make himself available for the pass.
The Swedish striker lifted his arm up, told Martinelli to stay where he was and then offered himself for the pass to Kai Havertz. Gyokeres got the ball, turned, slipped, but still managed to unleash a fierce strike to find the back of the net.
That shows a real change in Gyokeres’ mindset, as a few weeks ago, he would definitely have let Martinelli go ahead of him.
That is a real positive for Arsenal going forward. If their striker keeps taking charge of the box in the Premier League, he will score goals for fun.
If Hugo Ekitike is the signing of the season, how would you describe Viktor Gyokeres?
Is Gyokeres being treated unfairly?
Viktor Gyokeres has sent a big message to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
It was a surprise to see Gyokeres dropped from the starting lineup against Sunderland.
Yes, the Swede didn’t have a great game against Chelsea midweek, but after his fantastic performance against Leeds United last weekend, many felt he deserved a start.
Arteta chose Jesus instead, but Gyokeres’ brace off the bench has sent the perfect message to the Arsenal manager: that he deserves to start.
The Gunners face high-flying Brentford next in the Premier League, and we will be shocked if Gyokeres doesn’t get the nod up top.
After his two goals against Sunderland, he completely deserves it.
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