The smile of Viktor Gyokeres was enough. Several weeks and failed attempts at getting to the goal line, the Swedish striker also found his scoring ability in the resounding 4-0 victory over Arsenal against Atletico Madrid and manager Mikel Arteta was delighted. The boss of Arsenal thinks that Gyokeres double goal may be the beginning of a goal spurt but more to the point he says that the goals are only a very small part of what Gyokeres is able to bring to the team.

Gyokeres made a statement of power, pace and pressing ability of Arsenal in the frontline. He began with a bang, scoring three goals in the first four games and then experienced a seven game slump which then started to haunt his self confidence. Barren spell though did not rattle the faith of Arteta. The message of the manager behind closed doors was the same:have faith in the process, continue working and goals will be achieved.

That was a faith that was paid in style against Atletico. Gyokeres not just closed in on a decisive victory but it also served as a reminder to everyone as to the reason why Arsenal fought so hard to bring in Gyokeres during the summer. His total is five goals in 12 appearances and that may not be shouting of elite yet Arteta feels that it is the beginning of something greater. “He deserved it,” Arteta said. Everything he contributes in the team work rate, pressing, link-up play has been spectacular. His contribution was never debated. It was only a matter of retaining that faith in himself.

His struggle in times when the objectives were failing. The manager says that the small gestures count in a team that is created on a spirit of togetherness. Arteta continued by saying that his team mates adore him. They wanted him to rejoice by himself in front of people since they know how he has struggled. That was the demonstration of all this group information, unity, belief, and respect.

It has not been smooth sailing though, to 27 year old. Gyokeres has had to take up more than their usual due to Kai Havertz being sidelined with the knee injury and has already played 90 minutes seven times out of the 12 games Arsenal has already played. Such a workload coupled with the strain of getting used to the Premier League level, could only wring his nerves. However, it is his performance, which has impressed the coaching staff: running incessantly, pressing without tiredness, and stretching defences.

Arteta is of the opinion that such qualities have already made Arsenal more threat inducing. Viktor Gyokeres will do us a better team. We are not quite as predictable anymore. He is so physical that he creates space in others, gives the ball and pushes like few can. The icing on the cake is the goals but what he provides us every minute is remarkable.

Arteta is not the only one who values his contribution. Gyokeres has a positive disposition and humility that has attracted the love of team mates in a short period of time within the dressing room. Other players such as Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka have made some private remarks on how his off ball movement makes more space to operate. His selfless running is as precious as is his finishing something that Arteta with his high-pressing system cherishes.

That viewpoint is characteristic of the Swedish striker,level-headed, down to earth and conscious that it is steadiness which makes success in England. The win against Atletiko Madrid allowed keeping the unbeatable record in the league of champions having led the pack with three victories and not a single goal against them. In the domestic league  they lead the Premier League by three goals and have conceded three times in 12 matches, the highest level of defense they had one hundred thirty years at the beginning.

Lastly, the faith that Arteta showed by believing that the next gear that will result in the resurgence of Arsenal is in the hands of Gyokeres appears to be reasonable. Balanced goals will come after structure and effort is something the manager is preaching to. To Gyokeres, that Atletico match may be her moment when she spends her time diligently and finally gets paid off. The Swede is a surprisingly eager performer with the goal swift and goal bound the style of Arsenal is best served when the striker is leading at the behest of the goal, a goal the Swede does in spades.

It is possible that Viktor Gyokeres broke his personal drought by scoring against Atletiko Madrid but the effect is even more profound. It once again made him the centre of attention at Arsenal it confirmed the unflinching belief of Arteta the player who does not just score but also changes the way his team plays. It was like a preview of what Arsenal fans would have one of the songs they would be hearing in days to come it was a reminder that, that form is sometimes not by chance but by faith, hard work and being united. The Gunners have Crystal Palace next in their syllabus and everyone believes that its No. 9 has located his timing at the right moment.

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