Viktor Gyokeres’ favourite teammate at Arsenal might actually be a defender.
The Swede made the highly anticipated move to the Emirates during the summer transfer window from Sporting CP.
Mikel Arteta pleaded for a striker long before Gyokeres arrived in North London, and already, he’s showing himself to be a player of huge value to Arsenal.
During the Gunners’ 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, Gyokeres netted his third goal of the Premier League season, a chance that wouldn’t have materialised if it weren’t for Riccardo Calafiori.
- READ MORE: What Viktor Gyokeres just did to write his name into Arsenal history vs Nottingham Forest
Riccardo Calafiori might be Viktor Gyokeres’ favourite teammate
Gyokeres combined very well with Eberechi Eze against Forest, as the England international assisted the striker seconds after the restart.
Though Eze earned the assist, the chance was crafted out of nothing by Calafiori, who lifted the ball over the top for the ex-Crystal Palace star to chase, noticing both he and Gyokeres were waiting for service.
Forest’s back line were taken out of the game by Calafiori’s long pass, giving his Arsenal teammates time and space to turn the chance into a goal.
It’s not the first time that Calafiori has been at the heart of making things happen for Gyokeres.
The Sweden international has scored two goals from open play this season, both of which were crafted by Calafiori.
Against Leeds United, it was the defender who lifted the ball into space on the left for Gyokeres to get on the end of, with the 23-year-old pulling off an identical move against Forest.
Despite the vast array of creative talent Arsenal’s new striker has around him, it might just be Calafiori who gets the summer signing’s pick of his favourite teammate.
Gyokeres will thrive with Arsenal’s improved wide options
Gyokeres had been isolated in games prior to the win over Forest, and it was no secret as to why things were different this time around.
Arsenal’s wingers ran riot, as Noni Madueke taunted Forest on the right while Eze’s trickery left the opposition spellbound on the opposite side.
It was a dream come true for Gyokeres, who had service from both flanks, and while Madueke was fantastic, what happened on the left deserves the spotlight.
There’s been an imbalance between the left and right sides for so long at Arsenal, but with Calafiori and Eze, Arteta’s woes might be over.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
