Arteta Backs Gyokeres as Arsenal Forward Waits for First Goal This Season
Mikel Arteta backs Viktor Gyokeres’ work rate as the Arsenal forward searches for his first goal of the season ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta has praised Viktor Gyokeres’ work ethic as the Arsenal forward continues to search for his first goal of the season, despite a run of chances that his manager believes should have brought a breakthrough.
Gyokeres has yet to score in any competition this campaign, though he has continued to find the net for Sweden. The 28-year-old has also been on the fringes at Arsenal, with Germany international Kai Havertz preferred up front. He hasn’t started a Premier League match this term.
That's a very personal question,
— Mikel Arteta
I think what he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team, that's it.
— Mikel Arteta
That's Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not, and that's why he's always an option to play.
— Mikel Arteta
Arteta said Gyokeres, who scored 21 goals in his debut season at the club in 2025/26, had been unfortunate not to get off the mark this season.
We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has some very good moments,
— Mikel Arteta
He's three or four times in front of goal with no keeper, and the ball should arrive to him, and it doesn't.
— Mikel Arteta
It's very small margins,
— Mikel Arteta
Scoring or not scoring changes the narrative.
— Mikel Arteta
Arsenal could have Martin Zubimendi available against Forest, while Piero Hincapie is likely to miss the fixture at the City Ground. Both players picked up unusual ankle injuries during training on the Emirates Stadium pitch after last week’s win over Leeds.
Piero is evolving really well,
— Mikel Arteta
Knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, I'm sure it's not going to take long, but he will probably need another week or two.
— Mikel Arteta
Zubi looks much better, he already looked much better today. We have another session tomorrow (Saturday), and after that we will assess whether he's available to play against Forest.
— Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are second in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City.
