'He was immense': Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal star after 'incredible' performance vs Atletico

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the performance of Viktor Gyokeres after the Gunners progressed to the Champions League final.

The Gunners registered a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final at home to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Gyokeres played a big role in both legs. The Sweden international scored a pivotal penalty during the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

He was guilty of squandering a clear-cut chance in the second half last night, but was still one of the best players on the pitch for Arsenal.

The statistics may not reflect his performance, but he relieved the pressure on his teammates with his brilliant hold-up play upfront.

Gyokeres tormented Atletico’s defence with his movement and physicality, something rarely seen earlier this season. He also played a big part in the winning goal.

He made a superb run behind the defence before delivering a quality cross to Leandro Trossard.

Trossard’s subsequent shot was saved by Jan Oblak, only for Bukayo Saka to score from the rebound.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that Gyokeres was ‘immense’ on the night and was ‘incredible’ with his hold-up play and work rate over the 90 minutes.

He told Amazon Prime (via BBC Sport): “He was immense. You can see the reaction from the crowd every time he had the ball, his work rate and what he’s giving the team is just incredible.”

Gyokeres has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers since the turn of the year. He was brilliant against Fulham in the Premier League with two goals and an assist last weekend.

It was a much different contest last night against Atletico, but he rose to the occasion despite missing a sitter. The fans were undoubtedly pleased with his tireless work rate leading the line.

Gyokeres played the full 90 minutes against Diego Simeone’s side. It remains to be seen whether he starts against West Ham United in Sunday’s much-awaited derby at the London Stadium.

Kai Havertz was back in the matchday squad following an upper leg injury, but did not play any part yesterday. Gyokeres’ fitness could be assessed in the lead-up to the Hammers game.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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