Viktor Gyokeres makes Arsenal ‘better’ as drought ends – Mikel Arteta

There is never a bad time for a striker to score, but after a bigren run viktor gyokeres’ netting relief a double in Arsenal’s 4-0 win at Atlenico Madrid was clear. It could also be the start of an even better spell, manager Mikel Arteta believes.

After three goals in his first four matches, the £64m signing failed to find the net in Arsenal’s next few games and looked frustrated at times.

But his team-mates continued to praise his overall impact and Arteta said he embraced Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Ham in recognition of his effort.

The 27-year-old had to play more than planned at this stage of the season due to a knee injury to Kai Hadtz, who had seven minutes of Arsenal’s opener.

But after scoring two goals in Tuesday’s thrashing of Atletico, Gyokes’ tally is now looking to reverse his streak.

“He deserves it because everything we’ve seen in terms of what he brings to the team and how he’s helped the team in many areas, apart from scoring goals in the last few weeks, there’s no debate about that,” Arteta said.

“It’s about fulfilling that confidence in himself, that emotional state that he can enjoy and play freely.

“I think he’s done it now, (he’s got) a big smile on his face.

“Also look at his colleagues, in the photo and in the video, they are all very happy for him because he totally deserves it.”