Mansion Sports – Mikel Arteta has stepped in to defend Arsenal’s new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, following the forward’s underwhelming performance in the high-profile clash against Manchester City.

Although the Gunners managed to salvage a point through Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, Gyokeres was criticized for failing to make a meaningful impact across the full 90 minutes.

Gyokeres’ Underwhelming Statistics

Gyokeres, signed by Arsenal for £64 million during the summer transfer window, failed to register a single shot or create any serious threat against City’s defense.

Over the course of the match, he touched the ball just 24 times—the fewest among all outfield players on the pitch.

Other statistics painted a similarly bleak picture: zero shots, zero successful dribbles, 13 possessions lost, and a pass accuracy of only 62%.

These numbers have led some supporters to question his effectiveness as Arsenal’s main striker, especially in crucial fixtures against top-tier rivals.

Arteta Calls for Greater Team Support to Unlock Gyokeres’ Potential

In response to the criticism, Arteta insisted that Gyokeres gave his best effort but lacked the service required to showcase his strengths.

“There were many good deliveries into the box; I recall at least three situations where he was very close to finishing. Creating clear chances against City is never easy, but he gave everything he could. We simply need to provide him with more service, that’s all,” Arteta explained during the post-match press conference.

According to Arteta, Arsenal’s failure to supply accurate final passes was the main reason Gyokeres struggled to find clean scoring opportunities.

The Spanish manager emphasized that the Swedish striker requires more consistent support in order to demonstrate his sharpness in front of goal.

Major Challenges in High-Stakes Matches

So far, Gyokeres’ three Premier League goals have only come against newly promoted sides Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are struggling this season.

His inability to deliver in decisive matches against title contenders has raised doubts about the club’s substantial investment in him.

Nevertheless, Arteta’s public backing illustrates his continued faith in the player. Still, the pressure is mounting for Gyokeres to prove his worth on the biggest stage.

Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures

Arsenal will next face Newcastle United at St James’ Park in a Premier League showdown next weekend.

Before that, they are scheduled to play their third-round Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale in Stoke-on-Trent.

Arteta is expected to rotate his squad for the cup match, but Gyokeres is still anticipated to lead the line when the Gunners travel to face Newcastle.