Struggling Arsenal player says he ‘expects more playing time’
After a difficult start to the season, Viktor Gyokeres desperately needed a goal.
Having played just 29 minutes in the Premier League so far, and registering no goals and no assists across all competitions, it’s been a rough start for last season’s top goalscorer. He was given his first start of the campaign against Napoli but delivered a performance that had Italian media rating him as Arsenal’s worst player on the night. He also started against Ipswich in the Carabao Cup and was even worse.
The international break offered the perfect opportunity to rediscover some form and confidence away from the scrutiny of North London. And he took it.
Gyokeres scored for Sweden in their Nations League win over Romania on Friday night, tapping home from close range after Lucas Bergvall’s long-distance effort was saved by the goalkeeper. It wasn’t the most spectacular of finishes, but it was a goal, and right now, that is exactly what he needed.
Speaking to fotbollskanalen after the game, Gyokeres addressed his current situation at Arsenal. “It felt good to score and I felt good physically,” he said. “I felt involved, so it was fun to be out there playing.
“I haven’t played a lot, but I’ve had a few games. It’s clear that I want to play football and as much as possible. Hopefully that will come too. You always want to be on the field as a football player.”
He continued, addressing his current lack of gametime at club level. “Of course you expect more playing time, but we have an extremely good squad with a lot of good players and have been doing well here at the start. I’m just trying to focus on what I can control and do my best to play more.”
To be fair to Gyokeres, he seems to be taking full responsibility, admitting he needs to do better. “I obviously need to do better and I’m willing to do it, so it’s no problem.
“It’s good (the dialogue with Mikel Arteta). I just try to do well when I get the chance and score goals.”
Kai Havertz’s injury scare this week could open the door for Gyokeres to start against Leeds when Arsenal return to action on 10 October. The Swede has a strong record against the Yorkshire side, having scored three goals last season. Arteta will be hoping he brings his goalscoring form back to the Emirates.