2026 could be the year of Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal, who has suddenly found form in front of goal.
Gyokeres has had to deal with doubters at Arsenal following his £64m transfer from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window.
While the Swede has a lot of work to do to get his goal tally close to the 54 goals he scored last season, he’s made a turn in the right direction.
Gyokeres’ form is going somewhat overlooked, having contributed to eight goals in his last eight games for Arsenal, but the reality is that, with or without his goals, Arsenal need him dearly.
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Arsenal’s win rate with and without Viktor Gyokeres starting is very telling
Gyokeres has contributed to 15 goals in his first 32 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, which might have some wondering why the striker is getting so much negative attention.
When looking deeper into what the 27-year-old actually offers Arsenal, it becomes apparent that his presence stands for so much more than simply putting the ball in the net.
Opta’s data reveals that Arsenal are far better off when Gyokeres is in the starting XI than when he’s on the bench, as the Gunners’ win percentage rockets when he leads the line.
Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal, underappreciated or underwhelming?
Arsenal are far more likely to win when Gyokeres starts than when he doesn’t, which is a flattering indicator that the striker has improved, not just Arteta’s attack, but the team in general.
It’s good news for Arsenal, as now that the Swede is adding goals to his name, he’s ticking every box.
Another interesting element of Opta’s data was that Gyokeres also plays a role in Arsenal conceding less, as the Gunners concede an average of 0.4 goals fewer when he starts compared to when he doesn’t.
Gyokeres could send a statement with a goal against Brentford
Scoring or not, Gyokeres is pulling his weight, but there’s no doubt that in the striker’s eyes, the only thing on his mind is goals.
That’s to be expected of a centre-forward who scored 97 goals in two seasons at Sporting CP.
Next up for Arsenal come Brentford, a tough fixture that Gyokeres will be eager to leave his mark on.
If he does so, he’ll score in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time ever at Arsenal.
It would be a real confidence booster for the Sweden international, who looks to be finally turning a corner in N5.
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