Martinelli Challenges New Arsenal Target Gyokeres to Hit Ambitious Goal Tally
Gabriel Martinelli has expressed confidence that Viktor Gyökeres could net as many as 40 goals for Arsenal this campaign, highlighting Martin Ødegaard's creative abilities as a key factor in his optimistic forecast for the Swedish forward.
Predictably, Gyökeres hasn't matched the remarkable scoring rate he achieved at Sporting CP—where he netted 54 times in 52 matches for the Portuguese side last term—in his initial period with Arsenal, recording three strikes in nine outings for his current club.
The imposing 27-year-old has proven challenging for opposition center-backs even without finding the net, which was evident during his display in Arsenal's 2–0 triumph against Olympiacos in Champions League action on Wednesday.
Gyökeres physically dominated both Olympiacos central defenders during the sequence leading to Martinelli's opening goal, concluding the match with three attempts, 0.47 expected goals, and seven touches inside the opposing penalty box.
Bukayo Saka also found the back of the net in midweek, but it was Ødegaard who delivered the most impressive performance, with Martinelli convinced the Norwegian will enhance Gyökeres' scoring output during his inaugural season.
"We are extremely pleased with [Gyökeres], we have faith in him, we recognize his abilities and he's among the elite strikers globally at this moment," Martinelli commented following the victory.
"We believe in him and we are working to provide him with the confidence to find the net and perform at his peak to assist the team. It's excellent to have Martin there because he's constantly seeking to locate you when we make our runs.
"And regarding Viktor too, his attributes as well, since he enjoys making runs behind the defense and threatening the opponent's penalty area. I believe his partnership with Martin will benefit him greatly. We will attempt to supply him with possession as frequently as possible to help him score, perhaps, 30 or 40 goals per season."
Ødegaard had received some criticism regarding his recent displays, but the Arsenal skipper's resurgence comes at an opportune moment. He will look to create more scoring chances for Gyökeres when they face West Ham United on Saturday in the Gunners' last match before the international window.