Ian Wright emphatically defended Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres following a dominant performance against Fulham, where the striker scored twice and orchestrated another goal.
Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory, extending their lead at the Premier League summit to six points. Gyokeres’ impact was immediate and decisive, showcasing a clinical edge that has been missing for years.
The forward’s recent form is particularly timely, arriving as Kai Havertz recovers from injury. Gyokeres now boasts an impressive tally of 21 goals across all competitions, with 12 coming in the Premier League.
Wright highlighted a recurring issue Arsenal has faced: struggling to break down teams outside the traditional ‘big six’. He believes Gyokeres is the solution, consistently finding the net against these opponents.
“People have been saying for years Arsenal need a striker,” Wright explained. “Then we get one, and people say he’s not good enough. Twenty-one goals says he’s done the job for us.”
Wright anticipates Gyokeres will continue to thrive against similar opposition, specifically mentioning upcoming matches against West Ham as opportunities to add to his goal count.
The connection between Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka was a standout feature of the match, despite limited playing time together this season due to injuries within the squad.
Their blossoming partnership offers a promising dynamic for Arsenal’s attack. The pair’s synergy was evident in a devastating first half display, creating numerous chances.
Saka, returning to the starting lineup after a period on the sidelines, was substituted at halftime as a precautionary measure. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the decision was to carefully manage his workload.
Arteta emphasized the importance of gradually increasing Saka’s playing time, ensuring he remains fit and available for crucial upcoming matches, including the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
