Featured Image Credit: Amazon Prime
Topics: Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres, Champions League, Clarence Seedorf, Football, Premier League, Atletico Madrid
James Taylor
Topics: Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres, Champions League, Clarence Seedorf, Football, Premier League, Atletico Madrid
Clarence Seedorf told Viktor Gyokeres exactly what he thought of his performance during a post-match exchange between the pair as Arsenal cruised past Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Gyokeres ended his goal drought at the Emirates on Tuesday night, scoring twice as a dominant Arsenal won 4-0 to maintain their perfect start to their European campaign.
The Swedish striker had not scored in his previous seven Arsenal starts - and nine appearances in total if including his two outings for Sweden - but both goals against Atletico were typical poacher's finishes.
For an Arsenal side that have often struggled to convert chances in recent seasons, it was a hugely encouraging display from Gyokeres, who joined this summer from Sporting CP.
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He also earned praise from Dutch legend and four-time Champions League winner Seedorf, who was working as a pundit for Amazon at the Emirates.
Seedorf said: “I think you have created that, because strikers everybody expects them to score.
“You didn’t score that much in this period, but all the other stuff that you’ve been doing for the team and making players better has created this reaction of them.
“The respect that you have created, I think, is definitely on you. So well done.”
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Gyokeres also looked visibly relieved to finally add to his Arsenal goal tally during his post-match interview.
He has now scored five goals for the Gunners, having opened his account with a brace against Leeds in August, before scoring against Nottingham Forest.
However, Gyokeres has found it tough against the Premier League's top teams, failing to register a shot on target at Old Trafford, Anfield, or St James' Park.
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Arsenal fans will hope that his brace against Atletico Madrid can be the spark for a consistent run in front of goal.
Gyokeres said: "It feels amazing, it's been a while, but we've been winning games, so it's still been a great couple of months.
"But of course, as a striker you want to score goals and to get two today is amazing."
Gabby Logan then asked about Gyokeres' hesitation when it came to celebrating his opening goal, as you can see in the footage above from the 9-minute mark onwards.
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He replied: "Yeah, but that was because of VAR, I don't know, it could be something.
"I just wanted to wait and not do too much and be disappointed, so I just waited."
Despite Gyokeres' mixed fortunes in front of goal, Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season.
After eight Premier League games, they sit three points clear at the top, while they are through to the Carabao Cup fourth round, and are joint-top in the Champions League.
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Mikel Arteta's side have finished second in each of the past three seasons, but they hope the £63.5 million signing of Gyokeres can help deliver a first league title in more than 20 years.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday, October 26, when they host an in-form Crystal Palace.