Mikel Arteta has fired a warning shot to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, insisting that Viktor Gyokeres will be a nightmare to defend against if given any space.
The Swedish forward, signed from Sporting CP this summer for £64 million, opened his account for the Gunners in Saturday’s 3-0 pre-season win over Athletic Club.
His first goal in Arsenal colours came in the 34th minute, when he rose to meet Martín Zubimendi’s cross and guided a header into the net.
Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz added to the scoreline, sealing a comfortable victory that sets Arsenal up nicely for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Gyokeres’ debut strike will have lifted pressure from his shoulders, as expectations are high following his prolific spell in Portugal.
Fans are already hopeful that the 27-year-old can replicate his scoring exploits in English football, with Arteta making it clear just how dangerous the new arrival can be.
“Everything he does is on instinct,” explained the Arsenal boss. “That’s why he’s scored so many in the last few seasons. It’s goals, he’s a threat, he pins centre-backs and when you leave him with space 1v1 he will destroy you.”
Arsenal supporters got a glimpse of those qualities against Athletic Club. Gyokeres’ movement constantly troubled the visiting defence, while his ability to link play allowed others to thrive.
The partnership with Saka, who provided the assist for Havertz’s late goal, looked particularly promising.
The result capped off a positive pre-season for the Gunners, who appear sharp and ready for competitive action.
Liverpool and Manchester City are widely tipped to be Arsenal’s main challengers in the title race, but Arteta has made it clear that his new striker will be a key weapon in trying to outscore them.
With Manchester United visiting the Emirates next weekend, all eyes will be on whether the Swede can make an immediate impact in the league. If his first goal is anything to go by, it could be the start of a prolific campaign in North London.
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2025-08-09 22:25:48
