Mikel Arteta has urged his new striker to handle the heat and rediscover his scoring form.
Arteta puts faith in his struggling striker
Viktor Gyokeres was signed by Arsenal intending to be the last element of their attacking puzzle. But, at present, the goals have dried up.
After a remarkable stint at Sporting, 97 goals in 102 matches, the Swede striker has had a very hard time in North London. His Arsenal goal count has stopped at three. His tally in the last eight matches played for club and country has been zero. But, Mikel Arteta is not in a rush to come to a conclusion.
In fact, he has told Gyokeres to stay calm, pointing out that pressure is one of the things that comes with being a top club. The head coach is of the opinion that once the striker releases his feelings and trusts his gut, the goals will return.
Key absences make Gyokeres’ role even bigger
With Kai Havertz sidelined after knee surgery, Gyokeres has become Arsenal’s main man up front. That is more pressure to bear for him right before the weekend match with Fulham. Even worse, skipper Martin Odegaard is injured. He will not play for at least a month, which will make Arteta less creative.
Yet, this might be the right time for Gyokeres to come out strong and dispel all the doubts. A goal-scorer is what the team has been craving for. The coach’s signal is clear, this is the time to convince everyone of his value.
Author’s Opinion:
Gyokeres is facing his first real test in English football. The goals may not be flowing now, but strikers often live off confidence. If he scores one, the floodgates could open. The North London side will need that to stay in the title fight.
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