Viktor Gyökeres's two goals against Sunderland may have been a reminder that sometimes you don't need to choose between falling over and scoring or merely bundling in a goal. What Mikel Arteta must be thinking is why not both?
The Hungarian striker's performance was characteristically erratic, with moments of unbridled energy and others of haphazard stumbling. Yet, as the game wore on, it became clear that Gyökeres was exactly what Arsenal needed – a player who embodies their chaotic yet endearingly dysfunctional approach to the beautiful game.
Against Sunderland, the Hungarian's movements were akin to those of a mythical Finnish wartime assassin, dodging and weaving with an air of self-killed venison-fueled desperation. It was as if he was trying to prove that even in defeat, there is always something to be salvaged from the wreckage.
Gyökeres's goals, while not necessarily precise or elegant, were effective in their own unique way – much like his gameplan. The first, a stunning low drive that found its way into the corner of the post, showcased the striker's hidden talent for producing moments of brilliance. His second, which came from a breakaway in stoppage time, was a testament to his growing understanding of Arteta's tactics and his capacity to contribute to Arsenal's team goals.
What remains to be seen is whether Gyökeres can replicate this form against stiffer opposition. For now, however, the signs are encouraging. His numbers have been ticking upwards, with six goals in his last eight games across three competitions. The fact that he has become Arsenal's top scorer in the league, with 13 for the season overall, is a welcome respite from the uncertainty surrounding the team's attacking options.
The rest of the squad must be heartened by Gyökeres's growth, particularly Declan Rice, who provided an excellent performance in the two-man pivot. This was good management from Arteta, who has shown that he still understands how to get the best out of his players, even when they are not at their most effective.
The team's resilience and consistency will be crucial as they head into the final stretch of the season. A nine-point clear lead in February is a comfortable cushion, but Arsenal must remember that the league is never won before it has been lost. Still, with Gyökeres on board, anything seems possible – especially if he can harness his unique blend of energy, unpredictability, and occasionally, a bit of clumsiness to create more moments like these.
The Hungarian striker's performance was characteristically erratic, with moments of unbridled energy and others of haphazard stumbling. Yet, as the game wore on, it became clear that Gyökeres was exactly what Arsenal needed – a player who embodies their chaotic yet endearingly dysfunctional approach to the beautiful game.
Against Sunderland, the Hungarian's movements were akin to those of a mythical Finnish wartime assassin, dodging and weaving with an air of self-killed venison-fueled desperation. It was as if he was trying to prove that even in defeat, there is always something to be salvaged from the wreckage.
Gyökeres's goals, while not necessarily precise or elegant, were effective in their own unique way – much like his gameplan. The first, a stunning low drive that found its way into the corner of the post, showcased the striker's hidden talent for producing moments of brilliance. His second, which came from a breakaway in stoppage time, was a testament to his growing understanding of Arteta's tactics and his capacity to contribute to Arsenal's team goals.
What remains to be seen is whether Gyökeres can replicate this form against stiffer opposition. For now, however, the signs are encouraging. His numbers have been ticking upwards, with six goals in his last eight games across three competitions. The fact that he has become Arsenal's top scorer in the league, with 13 for the season overall, is a welcome respite from the uncertainty surrounding the team's attacking options.
The rest of the squad must be heartened by Gyökeres's growth, particularly Declan Rice, who provided an excellent performance in the two-man pivot. This was good management from Arteta, who has shown that he still understands how to get the best out of his players, even when they are not at their most effective.
The team's resilience and consistency will be crucial as they head into the final stretch of the season. A nine-point clear lead in February is a comfortable cushion, but Arsenal must remember that the league is never won before it has been lost. Still, with Gyökeres on board, anything seems possible – especially if he can harness his unique blend of energy, unpredictability, and occasionally, a bit of clumsiness to create more moments like these.