Mikel Arteta can get the absolute best out of Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal but must change one thing

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Arsenal will be desperate for a better performance in their final pre-season clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Mikel Arteta’s side have looked lacklustre in their attacking play in the last two defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

Arsenal have lacked dynamism and creativity in the final third and been uncharacteristically sloppy at the back with their defensive actions.

However, it is pre-season and all that matters is getting the players up to match sharpness and ready for the opening game at Old Trafford. A match where the Gunners will be hoping to get the best out of Viktor Gyokeres.

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Arsenal must be more direct to get the best out of Viktor Gyokeres

Arteta likes his side to control possession and build up their attacks in a measured and composed manner, however, that needs to change.

Speaking on the BBC’s ‘Football Daily’ podcast, journalist Miguel Delaney made an astute observation in how Martin Odegaard could hold the key to unlocking Gyokeres this season.

Delaney stated: “One of the things that stood out when I was watching Arsenal is obviously that players like Odegaard will need to get the ball to him [Gyokeres] much more quickly than they’re used to, because that’s just the way he plays.”

The Swede played just over an hour during the 3-2 defeat to Villarreal and there were already signs that he was becoming frustrated with a lack of service.

Gabriel Martinelli hindered Gyokeres in the second half when he chose to dribble with the ball instead of playing a pass in behind the Villarreal back four.

Gyokeres had just 14 touches in the match and Delaney’s observation is correct in the fact that the striker likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender and use his pace and power.

Arsenal are used to a more intricate build up but will have to adapt their game to suit their new £63m centre forward.

Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres relationship will be key for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka remains Arsenal’s biggest threat going forward and there has even been an over-reliance on the 23-year-old in recent seasons.

Saka struck up an excellent understanding with Kai Havertz last season and if Gyokeres is to become Arteta’s preferred choice up top, that same relationship needs to be formed.

Havertz had an excellent understanding of when Saka was going to chop back on his left foot and deliver a cross to the far post.

Against Villarreal, you could see the hesitancy in the movement of Gyokeres in the box. The Gunners’ supporters will need to be patient as these partnerships will not be formed overnight.