Viktor Gyokeres' crystal-clear message to Arsenal vindicates Mikel Arteta's contract
Viktor Gyokeres addressed his Arsenal future while on international duty with Sweden. The striker made it clear that he wants to stay at Arsenal, and he feels good about being given more game time again.
“I want to stay at Arsenal," said Gyokeres (translated to English). "It feels good when I’ve been playing. We’ve won most of our matches. It was a tough defeat in the cup (against Fleetwood). Otherwise, it’s felt good for me personally and for the team."
While he didn't address him by name, Gyokeres' comment shows how far Arsenal have come under Mikel Arteta, and it's a great reminder of how good the manager is at making his players feel valued.
Arsenal were right to make Mikel Arteta so high-paid
Back in October, Arsenal made Mikel Arteta the highest-paid manager in the Premier League. Locked in until 2030, only Keith Andrews of Bournemouth and Roberto De Zerbi of Tottenham are under longer contracts right now.
It was a big deal for the Gunners to invest so much time and money in Arteta, but nobody questioned whether he deserved it or not. Arteta was a big reason for the club lifting its first Premier League trophy since the Invincibles at the beginning of the century, and now, they envision lifting their first ever Champions League under him.
Arteta is criticised for many things, and it's ludicrous. It is worth noting that he'sonly criticised by fans of teams that can't finish above him, though.
One thing nobody can criticise Arteta for is his man-management. The vibes are good at Arsenal, but they were sky-high even before lifting the Premier League trophy.
Never once has an Arsenal player doubted their ability to win trophies and perform at the highest level under Arteta. Gyokeres is the latest to feel that boost in confidence.
It is incredibly rare that a manager strikes the big two: people management and team management. Too often, astute tacticians struggle with the man-management side of things, but Arteta has struck the perfect balance so far.
Viktor Gyokeres can truly kick-on at Arsenal now
Gyokeres has every right to feel confident. I was quick to criticise him, but he was quick to prove me (and many other Arsenal fans) wrong.
Ever since he's been given more minutes in the team, Arsenal look like a better outfit. He very rarely starts games, but he often comes on from the bench, and he's a big reason why the Gunners keep winning the second halves of games - a trait that is not to be overlooked in the title race.
Gyokeres won the Premier League on his first attempt, and if he stays at Arsenal beyond January, then he is widely tipped to win back-to-back titles. Heck, there is no reason why he can't be part of the dynasty that Arsenal are clearly planning right now.
He may compete for a place in the team with Kai Havertz, but Arteta has proven that he's willing (and incentivised) to rotate.
After the international break, Arsenal face a multitude of tough fixtures. You can count on Gyokeres being called upon in a fair few of them.
