'Something extra': Arteta now praises 'stubborn' Arsenal star, says he's creating space for teammates

Arsenal face Fulham in today’s Premier League derby at Craven Cottage.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta was posed with plenty of questions in his pre-match presser.

One of those was focused on the form of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede has failed to score in his last eight appearances for club and country.

In response, Arteta spoke about Gyokeres’ all-round game and said that the striker gives ‘something extra’ that is probably unnoticeable.

The Spanish tactician added that the 27-year-old creates an environment and space for a lot of players around him, and he should likewise benefit from that.

He told Arsenal.com: “The first thing is that’s going to give you something extra. Viktor has so many things that are probably not that noticeable.”

“But he also creates an environment and space and solutions for a lot of the players around him, and with the talent that we have in the team, I’m sure that everybody, including him, will benefit from that.”

Gyokeres has had a decent start to his Arsenal career, scoring three goals from 10 outings.

The Swede has not scored in his last six games for the Gunners, and also had a forgettable international break with defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo without scoring, both at home.

Despite this, his starting spot at Arsenal does not appear in danger, as things stand. Arteta has given his complete backing, and the onus is on Gyokeres to repay the faith with goals.

Gyokeres has been somewhat unlucky. He was denied a clear-cut penalty at Newcastle United, while hitting the woodwork against Olympiacos before Gabriel Martinelli’s easy tap-in.

The striker has also impressed with his high pressing and ability to keep defenders occupied with his physical presence. He has stretched opposition defences with his movement.

However, much more is expected from last season’s top scorer in Europe.

Gyokeres, described as ‘stubborn‘ by his former coach Dalibor Savic, needs to return to scoring ways sooner rather than later, particularly with alternative choices in the squad.

If the Swede’s lean run continues for the next few games, Arteta could contemplate playing one of Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard as the main centre-forward.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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