Arteta backs Gyokeres to break Arsenal duck
LONDON: Mikel Arteta has praised Viktor Gyokeres for his “incredible will and determination” as the Arsenal striker hunts his first goal of the season for the Premier League champions.
The Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal story has become one of the early puzzles of the campaign. The 28-year-old Swede has been a fringe figure in the opening weeks and is yet to score in any competition — despite netting freely for Sweden on international duty.
Havertz preferred up front
Arteta has preferred Germany international Kai Havertz through the middle, meaning Gyokeres has not started a single Premier League game so far this term. Asked ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest whether the striker was struggling with his confidence, the Arsenal manager pushed back.
“That’s a very personal question,” Arteta replied. “I think what he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team, that’s it. That’s Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not, and that’s why he’s always an option to play.”
Arteta said Gyokeres had been unlucky rather than poor. “We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has some very good moments,” he added. “He’s three or four times in front of goal with no keeper, and the ball should arrive to him, and it doesn’t. It’s very small margins. Scoring or not scoring changes the narrative.”
From 21 goals to zero: the Viktor Gyokeres drought
The contrast with last season is stark. Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his debut campaign for the club in 2025/26 after his big-money move, and few expected him to be watching from the bench in October. But Havertz’s form has made the German undroppable, and Arteta has shown no sentimentality in his selection.
Arsenal trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by three points, so the champions can hardly afford to carry passengers. Yet Arteta’s public backing suggests the Swede remains firmly in his plans — at least as an option off the bench while the fixtures pile up.
Injury worries before Forest
Arteta also delivered mixed team news ahead of the City Ground trip. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi could be fit to face Forest, but defender Piero Hincapie is likely to miss out. The pair suffered freak ankle injuries during a training session on the Emirates Stadium pitch after last week’s win over Leeds United.
“Piero is evolving really well,” Arteta said. “Knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, I’m sure it’s not going to take long, but he will probably need another week or two.”
Arsenal’s week has had a familiar rhythm: grind out results, manage the squad, and wait for the goals to come. It is a squad game now — even the women’s side has been sharing the scoring, as in Manchester City’s 4-2 WSL win over Arsenal. Gyokeres just needs one goal — and as Arteta noted, a single goal can change the entire narrative around a striker’s season.
The original reporting on this development was published by Geo Super and the Straits Times.
FAQ
Why is Viktor Gyokeres not scoring for Arsenal?
The 28-year-old has been a fringe player this season with no Premier League starts, as Mikel Arteta has preferred Kai Havertz up front. He has also been unlucky, with service not arriving when he has found space in the box.
How many goals did Gyokeres score last season?
He scored 21 goals in his debut season for Arsenal in 2025/26.
When do Arsenal play Nottingham Forest?
Arsenal travel to the City Ground on Sunday, October 18, trailing Manchester City by three points in the Premier League.
Who is injured for Arsenal?
Martin Zubimendi could be fit for the Forest game, but Piero Hincapie is likely out after both suffered ankle injuries in a freak training-ground incident.
