Viktor Gyökeres just keeps proving his biggest criticism wrong

Viktor Gyökeres has now scored 19 goals for Arsenal (it doesn't feel like that does it?) but could that be one of the most important? On Wednesday night, the Swede converted a penalty on the cusp of half time as the Gunners drew 1-1 with Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Metropolitano. Thus, next Tuesday in North London, it is winner takes all.

Not speaking for everyone, but the overwhelming majority of the 3,476 Gooners watching from on high as Gyökeres prepared to go face up to Jan Oblak were in no doubt that he would score and with plenty of justification.

It is wild to say, considering how so many doubted him when he first signed for Arsenal. Someone who was once heavily doubted is now seen as Mr Reliable.

Viktor Gyökeres' penalties taken 2025/26

29 April 2026: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Arsenal. Scored 44'.

26 March 2026: Ukraine 1-3 Sweden. Scored 73'.

11 April 2026: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth. Scored 35'.

20 December 2025: Everton 0-1 Arsenal. Scored 27'.

23 August 2025: Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United. Scored 90+5'.

Gyökeres has now scored all four penalties he has taken for Arsenal, each in emphatic fashion, as well as converting one during Sweden's World Cup play-off semi-final victory over Ukraine at Estadi Ciutat de València. It is more than just that though, In his senior career, the 27 year old has scored 40 of the 43 spot-kicks he has taken.

His most recent failure from the spot came for Sporting against BSC Young Boys in the Europa League in February 2024, an effort saved by David von Ballmoos. He also failed to convert twice during his time at Coventry City, denied by Brad Collins of Barnsley before missing the target during a 3-1 defeat against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Overall, though, he has scored each of his last 27 attempts from 12 yards; long may that streak continue.

There is such confidence about Gyökeres' ability from 12 yards that when Arsenal were seemingly awarded a second spot-kick following his withdrawal, no idea how referee Danny Makkelie and his VAR decided that Eberechi Eze had not been fouled, many were positing who would step-up instead. Overall, though, the much-maligned, rightly or wrongly, centre-forward put in one of his best all-round performances for the club at the Metropolitano.

His burst down Arsenal's left created a very good shooting opportunity for Martin Ødegaard, while his hold-up play was significantly improved, an aspect of his game that has often been criticised. He did only touch the ball 15 times before being replaced by forgotten man Gabriel Jesus with 20 minutes to play, but when he did have it, Gyökeres was effective, and that has not always been the case.

At the weekend against Newcastle, when Havertz sat down in the centre circle, and it became clear that he would not be able to continue, the silence around the Emirates spoke volumes. Yes, of course, supporters feel empathy for the German, given how little football he has been able to play over the last 14 months due to fitness issues. Selfishly, though, it was the fact that everyone knows how important Havertz is and that the team as a whole functions significantly better when he is on the pitch.

Had Havertz not spent more time in the treatment room than on the grass, Gyökeres surely would not have played as much as he has, Wednesday night in Madrid included. Having said that, there were encouraging signs to suggest he can and will play a positive part in the run-in. The Swede scored twice against Atleti in the league phase during a 4-0 annihilation, and we'd all love to see a repeat of that on Tuesday.

Add us as a preferred source on Google