Arsenal have been busy this summer, strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad in many areas.
After finishing second for a third consecutive season in the Premier League, the Gunners have invested almost £200 million in an attempt to close the gap and finally lift silverware.
Martin Zubimendi has arrived for £55 million from Real Sociedad in a marquee move, while the likes of Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera have signed to add depth.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres completed a move from Sporting CP for £63 million and Noni Madueke joined from Chelsea for £52 million, bolstering the North Londoners’ forward line.
Micah Richards says Viktor Gyokeres will ‘add something really special’ to Arsenal
Arsenal breezed past Athletic Club on Saturday at the Emirates in their final match of pre-season, courtesy of goals from Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.
After drawing a blank on his full debut against Villarreal in midweek, the Swedish striker netted his first in red and white against the Basque side, glancing home from a Zubimendi cross.
He’ll hope to add many more like this next campaign, and pundit Micah Richards is optimistic that he’ll be able to do so.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards claimed Gyokeres will ‘add something really special’ to Arsenal.
“[Gyokeres will impress] Not just because he’s a big-name forward,” Richards said.
“Because of his movement that we talk about strikers all the time. So, Havertz is really good.
“We’re all big fans of Havertz, but in the number 10 position, where he can create, not leading the line. I know he’s done really good when he plays up there, but he hasn’t got the striker’s instinct. So that’s why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special.”
Gyokeres netted 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season across all competitions.
If he’s even remotely able to replicate this form, then he’ll certainly justify the £63 million outlay that the Gunners forked out for him.
Viktor Gyokeres’ statistics vs Athletic Club
Against Villarreal, Gyokeres was somewhat muted, struggling to get into the game.
The 27-year-old managed just 14 touches against the Yellow Submarine before being substituted shortly after half-time.
Conversely, against Athletic Club, with his teammates more acclimatised to him and the first-choice midfield in place, Gyokeres was much more involved.
| Viktor Gyokeres’ Statistics vs Athletic Club | |
| Minutes Played | 71 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 27 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Accurate Passes | 15/18 (83%) |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Touches in Opposition Box | 9 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
Managing 27 touches, nine of which were in the Athletic Club box, Arsenal played to the striker’s strengths, constantly looking to play him in behind and directly to him.
He was a threat in the final third, taking three shots and creating one chance.
However, it was his aggressive movement and runs that stood out, persistently stretching the Athletic Club defence with darts into the channels.
It was clear in this Emirates Cup clash that Richards’ comments on Gyokeres’ movement are indeed what make him so dangerous.
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