Mikel Arteta don confirm say Viktor Gyokeres head injury no be di reason why e comot against Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal begin dia Champions League campaign well with 2-0 win, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard goals.
Gyokeres clash head with Gabriel Magalhaes for first half wey leave am with cut, but Arteta yarn say di substitution wey happen for 65th minute na purely tactical. “We just wan change some things, plus he don play plenty minutes already. Na fresh legs wey we need,” Arteta talk.
Di Spanish coach still hail Gyokeres: “As person, na exceptional character. As player, e don add new level to our attack, and e dey always carry big threat.”
Gyokeres: Striker Dey Struggle Or Na Early Days?
Against Bilbao, Gyokeres record four shots and touch ball five times inside box – four of those na attempts. But outside penalty area, e contribute small. Him style dey focus more on finishing inside 18-yard box, and dat limit how e dey involve for general play.
Di Swedish forward don already score three goals in five matches, but for big games like Manchester United and Liverpool, e never show him best. Critics dey talk say e need step up if Arsenal wan depend on am for trophies dis season.
Arsenal Fit Chase Champions League Glory?
If Arsenal dey serious about winning Champions League, dem must improve chance creation from open play. Dis season, almost 61% of dia xG for Premier League come from dead-ball (corners and free-kicks). Dat one no fit carry dem far for knockout stages.
Arsenal defence dey solid enough to protect slim lead, but without more creativity, comeback football go hard. Return of Bukayo Saka fit change di dynamics, as him wing play and service go benefit players like Gyokeres wey dey thrive on delivery inside box.