Viktor Gyokeres hits form at right time as Arsenal eye title push

Viktor Gyokeres hits form at right time as Arsenal eye title push

Viktor Gyokeres's resurgence at Arsenal has manager Mikel Arteta confident the striker could play a key role in the club's title and cup ambitions.

After a slow start following his 63 million pounds move from Sporting CP, Gyokeres has scored eight goals in all competitions in 2026, including a brace in Arsenal's 4-1 north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur, and reached 10 league goals this season - already more than any Arsenal player managed last term.

Arteta attributes Gyokeres' form to growing familiarity with his teammates and the Premier League. "When you score the first one or the performances are good, you have more time with your teammates and understand the games, opponents and the league better. Everything helps," he said.

The manager added that training sessions also reveal the striker's impact: "Our defenders often say defending against him is a nightmare, which shows his quality."

Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points, with Manchester City having a game in hand. They also remain in contention in the Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.

Arteta stressed the team will focus on the present as they host Chelsea, saying: "What we've done two weeks ago or two years ago is irrelevant. Every game and context is different, so we have to be prepared." 

READ MORE: Banyana defender on training with experienced players ahead of COSAFA Final