Fans and pundits were quick to heap praise on one Arsenal player after his performance during the Gunners’ 1-0 win (2-1 on aggregate) against Atletico Madrid, which saw them reach their first Champions League final in 20 years.
The sides came into the second leg at the Emirates with the scores level at 1-1 following last week’s first leg in Madrid.
The away side hardly laid a glove on their Premier League opponents, as Bukayo Saka’s strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure Arsenal’s place in the final in Budapest. The English side are set to face the winners of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on May 30.
Despite Saka’s goal proving decisive, it was another Arsenal man who fans praised for his workmanlike performance.
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Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has been widely criticised despite netting 21 times in 51 appearances since arriving from Sporting CP in 2025. However, many fans appeared to finally give him the credit he deserved for his performance against Atletico.
Despite missing a clear-cut opportunity to make it 2-0 in the second half, the Sweden international gave Atletico’s defence a torrid time with his physicality – something fans and even ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney picked up on.
Speaking on Prime Video, Rooney said: “Nowadays, everyone wants to see players on YouTube and players doing skills, but that [physicality] is a big part of the game.
“That is something which Gyokeres’ team-mates will really respect.”
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge shared a similar view, saying: “Gyokeres has caused massive problems – he’s bullying the defenders, showing his speed and strength, and he does it for the goal.”
Fans on social media also offered their thoughts.
One said: “Atletico struggling to cope with the strength and persistence of a bustling, belief-filled Viktor Gyokeres.”
Another added: “Gyokeres is eating these Atletico Madrid CBs alive lmfao.”
A third commented: “CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL COYG GYOKERES MAN OF THE MATCH, UNREAL.”
A fourth wrote: "Man of the match by a LONGGGGG way. Ladies and gentleman. Viktor Gyokeres."
As a fifth explained: "Viktor Gyokeres, what a monstrous performance. Take a bow."
Arsenal return to Premier League action away at relegation-threatened West Ham United on May 10.
Topics: Arsenal, Champions League, Viktor Gyokeres, Football
Luke Davies