Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Viktor Gyökeres for reaching the “highest level” after the Swedish striker scored twice in a commanding 3-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The win pushed Arsenal nine points clear at the top of the EPL table as the North London club continue their pursuit of a first English league title in 22 years.
Midfielder Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a superb strike just before half-time, breaking Sunderland’s resistance and setting the tone for a dominant second-half display.
Gyökeres, who has faced criticism following his big-money move from Sporting Lisbon, doubled Arsenal’s lead after latching onto a precise pass from Kai Havertz and firing home with confidence. The striker completed his brace in stoppage time, calmly finishing into an empty net after being set up by Gabriel Martinelli.
The Sweden international joined Arsenal in a £64 million move but initially struggled to replicate his prolific scoring form from Portugal. However, he has now emerged as Arteta’s most reliable attacking outlet, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, including six in his last eight appearances.
Speaking after the match, Arteta highlighted confidence as the key factor behind Gyökeres’ resurgence.
“Confidence is the magic word. When you feel confident, when you feel important, that’s when you can really take your game to the highest level,” Arteta said.
“We are really behind him in every moment to support him. He is delivering, and he’s in a really good moment now. Wearing that shirt comes with huge responsibility and expectations, and he is learning to live with that.”
Manchester City could reduce Arsenal’s lead to six points on Sunday but face a daunting task as they travel to Liverpool, where they have not secured an away league win in front of fans since 2003.
Despite Arsenal’s strong position in the Premier League title race, Arteta insisted there is still work to be done.
“We still have to win many games to achieve what we want,” the Spaniard added.
“I’ll enjoy a good dinner tonight, but tomorrow the focus turns to Brentford. It’s going to be a really tough game. In the meantime, I’ll be watching a big, big match.”
