'The best player': Daniel Sturridge blown away by 36-touch Arsenal star after win vs Atletico

Former Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge heaped praise on Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres following the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

The Gunners went into the game at the Emirates Stadium after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and they needed to beat Diego Simeone’s side to reach their first final in the competition since 2006.

They managed to do so thanks to Bukayo Saka’s first-half winner. Gyokeres played a huge part in the goal. He made a superb run behind the backline before delivering a quality cross to Leandro Trossard.

Jan Oblak brilliantly saved Trossard’s subsequent shot, but the rebound fell to Bukayo Saka, who was in the right place at the right time to convert with a simple tap-in.

Aside from that moment, Gyokeres was exceptional with his hold-up play and tireless runs upfront. His performance was described as ‘incredible‘ by manager Mikel Arteta.

Sturridge was likewise impressed by the Swede’s showing. The ex-Premier League man said that he was impressed by his drive and tenacity, and was the best player last night.

Sturridge said on Amazon Prime (via BBC Sport): “The drive and tenacity of the players [is what impressed most]. Lewis-Skelly was brilliant, controlling pace and the play. But Gyokeres was the best player tonight for me.

“He took so much pressure off the defenders, when you launch it up top, thinking, can it stick, can you hold it up for us? He did it all for them. Those are the performances that define top players.”

Gyokeres had 36 touches against Atletico last night, winning four duels. He completed only six successful passes but earned praise from the club’s faithful for his strong presence upfront.

The 27-year-old kept Atletico’s backline busy with his movement and work rate. He may have missed a clear-cut chance, but was still deserving of the man of the match award, in our view.

Gyokeres’ form has been quite impressive since being reinstated into the starting XI after Kai Havertz’s injury. Havertz was back in the squad yesterday and was an unused substitute.

Arsenal have a four-day gap before facing West Ham United away in the Premier League. This will be followed by an eight-day break before the next league encounter at home against Burnley.

Hence, there is plenty of recovery time going forward, and Arteta should play his best XI on Sunday.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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