Mikel Arteta Fires Back at Critics, Throws Protective Shield Around Embattled Arsenal Star
Mikel Arteta has urged those questioning Viktor Gyökeres to show patience as the forward adapts to life at Arsenal.
The Swedish striker arrived at the Emirates with enormous expectations following his remarkable goalscoring record at Sporting CP. During his time in Portugal, Gyökeres netted an impressive 97 goals across 102 matches in all competitions, including 54 strikes in 52 games throughout the 2024–25 campaign—a phenomenal tally that included 39 goals in Portugal's premier division.
However, the transition to Premier League football has proven more challenging for Gyökeres, though both player and coach anticipated the increased difficulty level.
The striker has managed four Premier League strikes from 13 outings so far, alongside two Champions League goals. His comparatively modest tally—six goals from 18 matches—has led some to doubt his position in Arsenal's starting eleven, especially as temporary forward Mikel Merino has performed admirably during the 27-year-old's injury absence.
However, prior to Arsenal's encounter with bottom-placed Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta stepped forward to support Gyökeres, insisting he hasn't been given sufficient opportunity to settle and warrant assessment of his displays.
Gyokeres Sample Size Is Too Small
"There was tremendous anticipation because we secured a reliable goalscorer with arguably Europe's finest statistics," Arteta explained during Friday's press briefing. "He's a player entering a different competition, the world's most challenging league, so what occurs if he fails to score for five or six matches?
"That was my sole concern for him: 'How will you respond if you don't find the net in five or six games? Can you handle that pressure? And what will happen over the following 100 matches?'
"That's what we need to observe. The evidence is quite limited. So, give him space, allow him to perform what he excels at, support him and I'm confident everything will work out positively.
Gyökeres has been sidelined for a month due to a hamstring problem, with his most recent goal occurring in Arsenal's 2–0 victory against Burnley on November 1. He has appeared in the team's previous three fixtures in a restricted role, but may receive additional playing time against the Premier League's most vulnerable defense.
"We must place him (Gyokeres) in the optimal circumstances to flourish and reach his capabilities," Arteta added. "Prior to his injury, he was progressing excellently. Initially, it required time for adjustment because it's a different competition with unique requirements.
"He lacked a proper pre-season and is now beginning to build rhythm, but what will truly unleash his potential is scoring goals.
"He requires that for his own benefit, for his self-belief, and we'll evaluate his contributions accordingly. That's understandable, but he desires it intensely as well."