Viktor Gyokeres explains new goal celebration as Arsenal striker opens account after summer transfer | OneFootball

Gyokeres came in for criticism following a difficult Premier League debut against Manchester United

New goal celebration: Viktor Gyokeres

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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has said his new goal celebration “might” have been a response to his critics.

Gyokeres, the big summer signing from Sporting CP, got off the mark for his new club with a brace as Arsenal thumped Leeds 5-0 on Saturday.

After scoring his second in injury time, emphatically dispatching a penalty after youngster Max Dowman had been fouled, the Swede initially celebrated in trademark fashion.

When quizzed about the different goal celebration, the 27-year-old admitted it may have been connected to criticism he received following his Premier League debut against Manchester United last weekend.

"Of course, I am really happy with the result. Of course, it was very nice to score two goals as well,” he told Sky Sports.

"It is always pressure. I know I'll take my chances sooner or later. We won 5-0 so it was a great day.

"Of course, it was a short pre-season for me and not too many weeks training and then, of course, playing 90 minutes in pre-season.

"It was important for me to get 90 minutes and get the rhythm and to get to know the team even more during this game.

"I felt more comfortable in how we're playing, and I think you can see that as well.

"I am comfortable when the ball is coming in-behind and then cutting inside. I know I'll take the chance when I have it like that.

First goal: Viktor Gyokeres

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"We have so many amazing players going forward. For me, it is important to be in the right place.

"It is difficult. All the teams we play against want to challenge us. We have to prepare for every game as best as possible, but we have an amazing team, and we train well and work hard every day.

"We have started off well with two wins and two clean sheets and a lot of goals. I think we are on the right path, but we can always do better and improve."