Arsenal have been linked with several hooded striker names ahead of next season. It’s safe to say that their last big signing in attack, Viktor Gyökeres, hasn’t lit the big football fireworks this season. – Until now!
Names such as super talent Eli Junior Kroupi, Julián Álvarez and Victor Osimhen are mentioned alongside nervousness that the Swedish superstar would not reach his potential in an Arsenal shirt. – As long as the Premier League gold is not delivered to Manchester City, the search for a replacement will be less intense.
The Swede scored two goals and now has a total of 21 goals for Arsenal. The listing is the best during a debut season for the club since 2014/2015.
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Arsenal hosted Fulham at Anfield on Saturday in a hot London derby without their captain Martin Ødegaard. When the starting line-ups were announced, it was clear that Mikel Arteta made four changes compared to the Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid. Among other things, Bukayo Saka started instead of Madueke. Viktor Gyökeres continued to gain confidence at the top.
Martin Ødegaard, on the other hand, was completely missing from the squad. The Norwegian had to come off against Atlético in the Champions League match just under a week ago after 58 minutes with a new injury.
“He hasn’t always received that service”
After just under ten minutes, Gyökeres gave Arsenal the lead. The Swede was served an open goal by Bukayo Saka.
“That’s the kind of service Gyökeres wants – and he hasn’t always received that service this season. What a start at Arsenal,” commented Sky Sports reporter Alan Smith.
After just over half an hour, Gyökeres got the chance to become a two-goal scorer, but Bernd Leno made a great save in the Fulham cage.
Soon after, Riccardo Calafiori headed into the net after a cross from Leandro Trossard, but the goal was called off for offside.
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“Such a valuable contribution”
After 40 minutes, Saka and Gyökere switched roles. The Swede set up for the Englishman, who knocked in 2-0.
“He gets a lot of criticism, but when Gyökeres gets the basics right, he is such a valuable addition to this team,” said former national team goalkeeper Robert Green in the BBC broadcast.
Just before halftime, the Swede became a two-goal scorer. He headed in 3-0 after a playful pass from Trossard.
After a little over an hour, Gyökeres was replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
– First Arsenal player since Alexis Sánchez
The Swede’s second goal of the evening meant he has scored a total of 21 goals for Arsenal this season.
“In doing so, he became the first Arsenal player to score 20 or more goals in all competitions in his first season at the club, since Alexis Sánchez in 2014/15. The Chilean finished on 25 goals that year,” Sky Sports wrote in their live broadcast.
“We never stop believing”
The three-pointer allows Arsenal to increase their league lead to six points. Chasing Manchester City have two games less played, and face Everton away on Monday.
“The Gunners” currently have a goal difference that is four goals better than City’s. If the teams end up on the same score after 38 rounds, it is precisely the goal difference that decides.
Gyökeres spoke to Sky Sports after the game.
“It was an important three points. We always go into games with the mindset that we should play well and create a lot of chances – and we did that today. We never stop believing that we can win the league. There is a lot left to play for,” said the Swede.
