Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged critics of striker Viktor Gyökeres to “leave him alone,” while acknowledging that the £64 million ($86m) transfer needs to improve his scoring record.
Gyökeres has scored only four goals in 17 matches since joining Arsenal, and during the club’s recent 3-0 Champions League victory over Club Brugge, he was substituted for returning player Gabriel Jesus after 60 minutes.
Prior to his move to Arsenal, Gyökeres had an impressive record, netting 97 times in 102 games for Lisbon’s Sporting CP.
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Having scored only six goals during his time at Arsenal, and with a goalless streak in his last four games since returning from a hamstring injury, Gyökeres’ form is under scrutiny as Arsenal prepares to face Wolves at the Emirates on Saturday night.
Arteta commented on the situation, saying, “There was a lot of excitement when we brought in a proven scorer who had some of the best statistics in Europe.” He went on to discuss the challenges Gyökeres faces in adapting to a demanding league.
He noted, “What happens if he doesn’t score for five or six games? That was my main concern: ‘How will you respond in that situation? And what about the next 100 matches?'”
Arteta stressed, “The sample size is very small, so let’s give him the space to perform. Support him, and I am confident things will turn around.”
Gyökeres’ last goal for Arsenal came in a 2-0 victory against Burnley before he faced a nearly month-long injury layoff.
Arteta added, “We need to ensure that Gyökeres is in the best possible condition to reach his potential. Before his injury, he was performing well. Adapting to this league takes time and while he is starting to regain his momentum, he needs goals to boost his confidence, which we will use to assess his performances.”
As Arsenal eyes an opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City to five points, City is set to face Crystal Palace the following day.