Mikel Arteta will be absolutely buzzing with what Viktor Gyokeres did in the 24th-minute vs Athletic Club

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Mikel Arteta would have been delighted with certain aspects of Arsenal’s performance against Athletic Club on Tuesday night.

The Gunners kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory in Bilbao, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard the difference at San Mames.

Declan Rice was excellent for the North Londoners, while the likes of Cristhian Mosquera, the two goalscorers, and Noni Madueke, also impressed.

However, one specific moment would have caught Arteta’s eye and made the Spaniard very encouraged by what he might see from Viktor Gyokeres in the future.

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Mikel Arteta will be buzzing with Viktor Gyokeres moment in 24th-minute vs Athletic Club

Gyokeres has had a mixed start to life in North London.

The Swede was criticised for some of his performances before the international break, with many feeling he was too peripheral and didn’t look technically at the level to play for Arsenal.

However, a goal against Nottingham Forest at the weekend appeared to ignite his confidence, as he arguably produced his most encouraging display yet in Bilbao.

One moment in the first half in particular, involving Gyokeres, would’ve delighted Arteta. In the 24th minute, Mikel Merino scooped the ball over the top for the 27-year-old to run on to, in space behind the Athletic Club backline.

Gyokeres scampered away from the home side’s defence at pace, before taking a shot on his left foot which went straight into Unai Simon’s hands.

Although the finish was lacking, this was one of the first examples of Arsenal playing to their new centre-forward’s strengths, trying to find him quick and early in behind.

On another day, the Sweden international buries the opportunity with a powerful finish at the near post. Arteta will be very enthused that the Gunners almost executed an archetypal move involving Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres’ statistics vs Athletic Club

Largely uninvolved in many of Arsenal’s matches so far this season, Gyokeres was engaged in build-up play a lot more frequently against Athletic Club.

Constantly looking to make runs in behind, he did so effectively on several occasions, with his touch and technical level significantly cleaner than it has been in other games.

However, most importantly, Gyokeres took four shots on the night, worth a total of 0.45 expected goals.

If he replicates this on a weekly basis, then the striker is going to score a bucketload of goals in an Arsenal shirt. He’s getting better in every single match.