Gyokeres scores twice to relieve pressure: Just smooth your hair and the goals will come

The most notable image of Viktor Gyokeres after scoring was him walking straight to the camera and smoothing his hair. A simple moment, yet it shattered all doubts about the Swedish striker’s adaptation after his brace against Leeds.

Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon for £63.5 million, which unintentionally increased the pressure on him significantly. Not only because a "big-money" signing doesn’t guarantee success at Arsenal or in the Premier League, but also because Gyokeres had previously left this league after failing to make an impact.

His start at the Emirates was met with skepticism, especially from commentators and former players. After a lackluster display against MU and a difficult first half against Leeds, Gary Neville made some less-than-flattering remarks about Gyokeres.

The former MU captain gave a very objective assessment: "Gyokeres struggled in his new team and league. I think he only briefly showed some qualities against MU. Matthijs de Ligt marked him very well. I was a bit worried about Gyokeres’ performance today."

Neville himself emphasized the pressure weighing on Gyokeres and the importance of him scoring: "It’s definitely still early in his career here, but you can’t let negativity build up. The pressure on Gyokeres is huge. Everyone expects him to score 20 goals to lead Arsenal to a Premier League title after a long wait. Gyokeres needs a goal."

Neville criticized not only Gyokeres’ scoring ability but also his overall gameplay and urged the Swedish star to change: "Gyokeres’ problem isn’t just scoring. It’s his overall play. He needs to involve others more, be quicker and more decisive. He seems to overthink and his play looks a bit chaotic."

Statistics from the first half against Leeds somewhat supported Neville’s view. In the first 45 minutes, Gyokeres only touched the ball 12 times. In fact, he only had one touch inside the opponent’s penalty area, a moment where if he had been calmer, Arsenal might have scored. The camera also caught a shot of coach Mikel Arteta holding his head in frustration.

Gyokeres transforms after halftime

The halftime break clearly had a positive effect on the Swedish striker. Changes in mindset and tactics seemed to help Gyokeres completely transform. His first Premier League goal for Arsenal arrived, showcasing all the qualities Arteta had hoped for when pursuing him all summer.

A play reminiscent of how Gyokeres used to tear apart defenses in the Champions League. He received the ball on the left wing, confidently drove into the box, bypassed two defenders, and struck a precise shot into the bottom left corner, making it 3-0 for the Gunners.

The goal not only brought immense joy to Gyokeres but also confirmed that "once Gyokeres gets going, no defender can stop him." The goal was not just a personal moment but also a boost for the whole team and a blow to Leeds’ morale.

Not stopping there, Gyokeres showed his cold finishing ability again by successfully converting a penalty in stoppage time, completing his brace and sealing a 5-0 victory for Arsenal. Declan Rice held the ball, seemingly ready to shoot, but passed the chance to Gyokeres. Rice wisely understood that one more goal would ignite Gyokeres even more, as he scored two goals in different styles but both his strengths.

Overall, Gyokeres’ brilliant second-half performance turned him from a doubted player into a hero, a perfect response to Neville’s criticism.

Playing the full 90 minutes, Gyokeres showed he didn’t need many shots, but when he took them, they were purposeful. Two goals from three shots and two on target (67% accuracy). Other stats favored him too, with an expected goals (xG) of 1.30 and expected shots on target of 0.85, showing the Swedish striker made excellent use of his chances.

Gyokeres repays Arteta’s trust

Before the Leeds game, coach Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in Gyokeres even when the player faced heavy criticism during and after the 1-0 win over MU on opening day. Arteta’s stance was very clear:"I think we’ll be very happy when he starts scoring very, very regularly, but today might not have been Gyokeres’ day. The team and I have a big responsibility to help Gyokeres become more effective."

Arteta’s words not only showed deep understanding and support for his player but also demonstrated his long-term vision. He believed goals would come for Gyokeres. Then, against Leeds, Gyokeres’ brace not only relieved his personal psychological pressure but also reinforced faith in Arteta’s plan. Moreover, seeing Odegaard and Saka leave the field injured, Arteta, although worried, could feel some relief because Gyokeres shone just in time.

Now, everyone awaits to see if Gyokeres will continue to flourish further in Arsenal’s upcoming journey. For a long time, Arsenal fans haven’t had such hope in the title race. Gyokeres can keep smoothing his hair freely, as long as he keeps scoring.

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