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Viktor Gyökeres was just subbed off on the 64th minute mark against Athletic Bilbao, but it might not have been through any fault of his own. A clash of heads in the first half, with Arsenal player Gabriel, meant that Gyökeres was not the same player in the second half as he was in the first.
Viktor Gyökeres started the game brightly, making some opportunities for himself, and almost finished one of the first crosses we can recall being whipped into him since he signed.
If he had the ball under greater control, Gyökeres would have scored when he was through on goal in the first half.
Viktor Gyökeres played brightly for Arsenal, despite coming off
All in all, a bright display from Viktor Gyökeres. Of course, the trolls will be out in full force because he didn't score, but there were many signs of brilliance from Gyökeres.
Getting the best out of Viktor Gyökeres isn't rocket science; it's a simple formula. If you give him chances, he will score. That wasn't proven today, but with more time on the pitch, and no clash of heads, it might have been.
Heading into the game, Ally McCoist said that Gyökeres was more similar to Erling Haaland than Alexander Isak. Haaland feeds off chances presented to him, whereas Isak is able to make chances for himself.
And tonight, against Athletic Bilbao, Viktor Gyökeres reminded those who watched him closely of Erling Haaland. He was aggressive in his approach (heck, he ended the game with a bandage around his forehead), used his physical stature to the best of his ability, and put himself in good positions.
He also wasn't afraid to bend his body into unorthodox positions to maximize his chances of scoring.
How often have we seen performances like that from Erling Haaland? Obviously, Haaland tops it off with goals, but let's not overlook that he has many, maaaany missed chances in games, too.
Viktor Gyökeres was signed by Arsenal to beat challenge Erling Haaland in the Premier League. Indeed, the Sweden international has a better goal conversion rate (43%) than Haaland (26%) in the league so far. However, Haaland has scored more goals (5) than Gyökeres (3) in the league.
Tonight, Gyökeres stepped up for Arsenal. Despite his game being cut short, he was one of the Gunners' most active players, and he's proven that he can be just as important to Arsenal as Haaland is to Man City.
Next up, and fans don't need reminding of this, Arsenal face Man City. The game will be played at the Emirates Stadium, and both Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyökeres will be front and center of the action.
Gyökeres has been accused of being a flat-track bully who cannot step up for his team in big moments. Playing against Man City is the perfect opportunity for him to reject that title.