Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended striker Victor Gyköeres, acknowledging the challenges of playing upfront in today’s game against top-quality defenders.
The Swedish forward has struggled to find the net from open play in his last 10 Premier League games but has managed to score twice in the Champions League this season.
Ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Tuesday, January 20, Arteta praised Gyökeres’s commitment and hard work in training.
“I think it goes for all the no. 9s in the league and how difficult it is to play that position nowadays with the physicality, the dominance of the centre-backs and the quality of them, and the lack of spaces as well most of the time during the match for them to exploit.”
“But that’s about consistency, about going again. We know his work rate, he’s really trying to give his best and we need to continue to work” he said.
Arsenal sit top of the Champions League standings with 18 points from winning all six matches and will be aiming to extend their winning streak.
By Pius Asack
