Viktor Gyokeres has had a mixed start to life at Arsenal following his summer transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokeres opened his Premier League account with a brace at home to Leeds United, including an emphatic penalty.
It is fair to say the Swedish striker found it a little more difficult in Arsenal’s two away trips to Old Trafford and Anfield. Mikel Arteta’s tactics have not helped Gyokeres and often left him isolated.
However, upon linking up with his national side Gyokeres has come out firing against the critics of his Gunners side, including that from former Arsenal hero Freddie Ljungberg.
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Viktor Gyokeres defends Arsenal performance against Liverpool amid Freddie Ljungberg criticism
Speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Gyokeres has defended Arsenal’s approach to their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
According to the outlet, Ljungberg thought that the Gunners were too ‘defensive’ and this echoed as Peter Schmeichel felt ‘angry’ over Arsenal’s display.
Wayne Rooney can’t understand why Eberechi Eze didn’t start the match after looking bright in his substitute appearance but Gyokeres has come out swinging in defence of his new team.
Gyokeres stated: “It’s easy if you’re not on the pitch to say what you think and think about a match picture.
“Then it’s difficult to steer it where you want to go. We did well defensively and they didn’t get very many opportunities.
“Then we would have liked to do even better offensively. It’s not easy to make all the pieces perfect every game.”
Alan Pardew thinks Arsenal fans should be concerned with Gyokeres but the truth is the striker showed some intelligent movement up against two top central defenders.
He also fashioned a real opportunity early in the game and would have been clean through on goal had teammate Gabriel Martinelli played him through.
Football is all about fine margins and the sign of a good team will be learning from past mistakes and putting it right when it matters most.
Arsenal are still one point better off than their corresponding fixtures last season
Despite the inevitable frustration and gloom that comes with a crucial defeat, Arteta’s side are still one point better off than their corresponding fixtures from last season.
Arsenal beat all three promoted sides at home last season and they replicated that feat with their 5-0 demolition of Leeds.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
| 2 |  ChelseaChelsea | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 4 |  TottenhamTottenham | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
Last season, The Gunners drew both games away at Liverpool and Manchester United, gaining two points, however, they now have three points from those fixtures this campaign.
With the club desperately looking to progress and claim a trophy this season, that will be a small positive for the manager to take into the international lull.
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