Mikel Arteta says what Viktor Gyokeres has been working on for ‘months’ that Arsenal fans are now seeing

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Viktor Gyokeres has sprung into life in recent weeks for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta believes we are all seeing the fruits of months of labour.

Gyokeres’ first season in an Arsenal shirt has been a roaring success after a shaky opening few months.

The big Swedish striker is very much the main man for the Gunners right now and his performance in midweek against Atletico Madrid showed just how much he has improved his overall game.

Now, ahead of facing West Ham, Arteta has revealed that Gyokeres has been working hard all season, especially on his hold up play.

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Mikel Arteta praises Viktor Gyokeres’ hold up play at Arsenal

The sight of Gyokeres bullying the Atletico backline was a joy to behold for Arsenal fans and management.

Time and again he won the ball, created space for his teammates and looked a real threat.

And according to Mikel Arteta, it’s no fluke.

“I’ve noticed it from the beginning. I think some of the things you see, certain improvements from players, the work probably hasn’t been done a day or two days before – it’s been done through months. Maybe months ago, but it hasn’t happened overnight,” Arteta said of his star striker.

Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images

“Viktor has been working extremely hard, the demands he puts on himself are extremely high. He always wants to learn, he’s always asking questions, he always wants to do extra things.

“He’s always trying to find ways to find those connections with his teammates – whether that be in the canteen, in the dressing room or on the pitch. At the end, when you have that kind of behaviour, you get rewards.”

Gyokeres won nine duels in the second leg against what is normally known as a rough and ready and tough defence to crack.

Indeed, had he finished his chance on the half volley in the second half it would have capped one of the finest centre-forward displays we’ve seen all season from anyone.

The key for Gyokeres now is to keep improving and working hard. Come next season, Gyokeres might end up looking like a bargain for the Gunners and could lead the line for years to come.

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