Gyokeres’ best half at Arsenal

03/11/2025 16:43:00 ChampionChatter

Last weekend at Turf Moor, Viktor Gyokeres experienced his most outstanding 45 minutes since joining Arsenal. Before being forced off with a muscle injury, the Swedish forward managed to deliver a perfect half: scoring the opening goal, indirectly assisting the second, and causing Burnley’s defense major problems throughout the first half.

Against Burnley, Gyokeres did more than just score. He was the source of energy, a pillar, and the catalyst that made Arsenal’s attacking play at its sharpest. In the 14th minute, from a Declan Rice corner, Gabriel headed the ball back and Gyokeres was in the right place to head in the opener. That goal ended his seven-game Premier League goal drought and made Arsenal the first team in league history to score from eight corners within the first ten rounds.

But the goal was only part of the story. In those brief 45 minutes, Gyokeres created three chances, contributed two major assists, and played a key role in the counterattack that led to Arsenal’s second goal. After receiving the ball in his own half, he delivered an accurate diagonal pass to Leandro Trossard, who then assisted Declan Rice’s header doubling the lead.

Gyokeres’ strength, speed, and positional awareness completely subdued Burnley. He constantly pressed, stretched the opponent’s defense, and created space for his teammates. After the match, coach Arteta expressed his delight: “Everything about him was excellent. His pressing, positioning, ball control, space creation, and link-up play were all at a high level. It’s unfortunate he had to leave due to feeling a problem.”

Gyokeres had his best half since joining Arsenal

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, many doubted whether a striker who had played in the Championship could handle leading the attack for a Premier League title contender. Early on, those doubts intensified as he went through a goal drought. But Gyokeres patiently improved and gradually adapted to Arteta’s high-intensity pressing style.

His goal and brilliant performance against Burnley not only broke his dry spell but also proved that Gyokeres is the modern striker Arsenal needs: strong, hardworking in movement, supportive of teammates, and especially effective in set-piece situations.

Post-match statistics showed Gyokeres won 6 out of 8 duels, completed 90% of his passes, and had an 83% successful pressing rate — figures that perfectly illustrate his influence in just one half. The Telegraph’s Sam Dean also stated: “This was definitely Gyokeres’ best half in an Arsenal jersey. Not just because of the goal, but because of how he controlled every aspect of the match.”

The only thing that spoiled that perfect afternoon was Gyokeres’ injury. He left the field in the second half with signs of a muscle problem, causing concern for Arteta and Arsenal supporters. With an already lengthy injury list including Havertz, Odegaard, Jesus, and Madueke, losing another key striker would certainly be a major setback.

M.Vũ

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