Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres to destroy Premier League defences at Arsenal this season.
Gyokeres scored his Arsenal goal during the club’s 3-0 win over Spanish side Athletic Club on Saturday.
The Swedish striker opened the scoring at the Emirates with a brilliant header from Martin Zubmendi’s cross.
Excitement at Arsenal is high for the arrival of Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 games over the last two seasons for Sporting Lisbon.
Striker’s instinct 💥 pic.twitter.com/nWyLBIbhnM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 10, 2025
Arteta has backed the new recruit to thrive in North London, insisting the 27-year-old has the attributes to destroy defenders.
Asked what Gyokeres will bring to his side, Arteta told the media: “I think his goals, his threat, I think he pins both centre-backs.
“He is a player that when you leave him with space one-against-one, he’s going to destroy you. He’s going to create a lot of space as well for us. In any situation there’s a player there that can score a goal.”
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