‘That’s why he’s scored so many goals’ – Mikel Arteta after Gyokeres’ first Gunners goal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres to take Arsenal to another level this season after the Gunners striker scored his first goal since his summer move to the club.

Arsenal beat Athletic Club 3-0 in their final pre-season friendly before facing Manchester United in their first game of the Premier League season.

Gyokeres opened his account for the Gunners with a powerful header from Martin Zubimendi’s cross, and Arteta says it can be a confidence booster for when the season gets underway.

“That first goal is always very very important, the way he took it as well, really, really well,” Arteta said.

“That’s his nature, I think everything that he does, his movement, the way he times his runs, the way he predicts the next move and where the space can be and where the ball is going to land, that’s the instinct that he has, that’s why he scored so many goals in the last few seasons, so that’s not a coincidence, it’s his ability and he’s constantly looking for it.

“He’s a player that when you leave him with space one against one he’s going to destroy you, so he’s going to create a lot of space as well for us. He is a player that in any situation can score a goal.

“It’s certain he’s going to add a different kind of threat and options to score goals from situations that before we didn’t have the opportunity to do so, so a real value there for us.”

Gyokeres is one of several players to have arrived at the club this summer – with big money signings Zubimendi and Noni Madueke also impressing against the La Liga side.

But Arteta suggested the club might not be done yet, and also says players will likely leave before the transfer window shuts.

“Let’s see what happens in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks, but we are actively looking at options as well,” he said.

“There are a few players, maybe, that may have to leave as well.”