Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended striker Viktor Gyokeres after another quiet game in a big match. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Gyokeres, who cost the club £64 million in the summer, didn’t have a single shot or create much danger against City, leaving some fans disappointed.
Gyokeres played the full 90 minutes but only touched the ball 24 times — fewer than any other player on the pitch. He had no shots, no successful dribbles, lost the ball 13 times, and passed with just 62% accuracy. Arsenal managed to earn a point thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli after Erling Haaland scored first for City.
Despite this, Arteta defended Gyokeres, saying the team needs to do more to help him play well. He said, “There were lots of good balls into the box, and I remember three times when he was very close to scoring. It’s very hard to get big chances, but he’s trying his best. We have to give him more support. There were chances today but the final pass was missing.”
So far, Gyokeres has struggled to make an impact in Arsenal’s biggest games. His three goals this season have come against weaker teams like Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Fans are worried because Arsenal spent a lot to sign him. However, Arteta’s public support shows he still believes in the Swedish striker, though there is pressure on Gyokeres to perform in big matches.
Arsenal’s next matches are a Carabao Cup game against Port Vale and then a Premier League trip to face Newcastle United. Arteta may rest some players for the cup game, but Gyokeres is expected to start against Newcastle next Sunday.