Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet once again as he helped himself to a fine double to help Arsenal down Sunderland.
The Emirates was in expectant mood ahead of kick-off and Mikel Arteta’s side duly delivered as a goal from Martin Zubimendi set them on their way before Gyokeres came off the bench to net twice.
For Gyokeres, it was a continuation of a recent improvement in form and as it stands, he’s looking very much like the player Arsenal thought they were getting in the summer.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Sunderland? Tell us why!
With five goals in four in all competitions recently, Gyokeres’ form is a huge plus for the Gunners.
However, while we must praise the striker himself, we must also look at the return of Kai Havertz and how this has coincided with Gyokeres’ run.
Kai Havertz has become the key to unlocking Viktor Gyokeres’ potential
Throughout the season, Gyokeres has huffed and puffed and at times, not been offered the sort of service a lot of number nines crave.
However, since the return of Kai Havertz, he has looked like a brand new player.
There could be differing reasons for this, one of which is Gyokeres might feel pressure to keep his place and he’s simply stepped up to the plate.
But the more obvious reason is that Havertz has become the perfect foil for the Swedish striker. Havertz, whether he plays just off Gyokeres or deeper in the midfield, has a brilliant way of finding space and drawing defenders into areas they don’t want to be.
This, in turn, is allowing Gyokeres the space to occupy just the single centre-half at times and with Havertz also a forward thinking player, those through balls and creative passes are coming.
Against Sunderland, Havertz played a game high three key passes leading to chance creation, including getting himself another assist for Gyokeres’ first.
This minor tweak to how Arsenal play is obviously something Mikel Arteta has been building towards.
Some might say it’s accidental. But in truth, Arteta probably had this in mind when he signed Gyokeres in the first place and right now, we’re seeing things fall into place brilliantly.
Viktor Gyokeres’ form will win Arsenal the title
You have to say hats off to Viktor Gyokeres here.
At times this season he has been criticised and put down by fans and pundits alike but when the time has come in recent weeks to really step up, he has done just that.
On this sort of form, Arsenal have suddenly got their man for getting goals at crucial times. With the defence still rock solid, if Gyokeres can keep finding the net as he is, then Arsenal will simply keep winning games with ease.
What do Gabriel Jesus’ THREE offsides tell you about his quality as Arsenal’s number nine?
Jesus had more offsides in an hour vs Sunderland than Gyokeres has recorded all season! 😳
From here, the Premier League title comes into sight and having already built up a nine point lead over Man City, it’s hard to see the Gunners relinquishing it.
Of course, there is still a long way to go and things can change.
But on current form, Gyokeres is going to fire Arsenal to the title and any previous talk of him not being up to standard will quickly evaporate.
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