Arteta says Gyokeres ‘needed’ his performance against Slavia Prague

Mikel Arteta says Viktor Gyokeres “needed” a performance like he produced in the 2-1 Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

The Arsenal striker provided a goal and an assist to help his side to victory but Arteta was particularly pleased with how involved the forward was beyond those contributions.

“I thought he was really good,” Arteta said.

“It’s a game that we believed was really good for him, for the demands of the opponents, for the spaces he could use.

“He’s done that really well. Not only the assist and the goal, but he was really connected to the team and great news, because I think he needed that performance.”

The Arsenal boss also praised Gyokeres’ movement and understanding of where the spaces would appear against Slavia’s man-to-man approach.

“He did that really well,” Arteta said.

“He understood really well when to appear, when to thread because they follow man to man in midfield and leave a lot of spaces there.

“Really pleased because I think overall he had a great performance separate from the goal and assist.”

Arteta also challenged Gyokeres to keep taking his opportunities when they come, having found game time more difficult to come by this season.

“I imagine every player wants to play every game and Viktor is no different,” he said.

“That’s what players need to do. When they get the opportunity, impact the game like he has done today and show the levels he can produce.”