“He’s Taken His Game to the Highest Level”: Arteta Lauds Gyokeres Transformation

- by Olatunji Johnson

Manager’s public backing pays off as once-criticized striker fires Arsenal nine points clear with match-winning double.

Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Viktor Gyokeres after the striker’s two-goal performance against Sunderland, stating the Swede has unlocked a new tier of performance. “He’s taken his game to the highest level,” Arteta declared, following the 3-0 win that sent Arsenal nine points clear at the Premier League summit.

The manager highlighted the intangible factor behind the striker’s turnaround, which has yielded six goals in his last eight appearances. “Confidence is the magic word,” Arteta explained. “When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that’s when you can really elevate yourself. We are really behind him in every moment to try to help him, and he’s delivering.”

This public endorsement follows a period of adaptation for Gyokeres, who has faced scrutiny since his big-money move from Sporting Lisbon. Arteta acknowledged the weight of expectation at Arsenal but credited the 25-year-old for rising to the challenge. “Obviously, when you put that shirt on, there is a lot of responsibility and huge expectation, and you need to live with that. He is in a really good moment now.”

While the spotlight was on his rejuvenated striker, Arteta tempered title excitement, focusing instead on the work ahead. His immediate plans involved a “beautiful dinner” before preparing for the next match, and watching Sunday’s crucial clash between Manchester City and Liverpool—a game that could see the chasing pack close the gap.

For now, however, the narrative is one of a manager’s faith being rewarded and a key player peaking at the perfect time in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first title in 22 years.

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