Viktor Gyokeres has spent longer training with the Arsenal squad in pre-season this summer than he did last term, and the Swede believes there is a big difference.
Last summer, he was the subject of long, drawn-out transfer negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting Club, which meant he missed much of the pre-season preparation for the new campaign. The Swede took considerable time to get used to his new teammates and understand them, and the lack of a proper pre-season was likely one of the reasons for that.
Although he played at the World Cup with Sweden this summer, he has returned from the break at a much better time, and the attacker is benefiting from that. He has also not had to deal with transfer drama and uncertainty this summer, so his body and mind are in a better position as he looks to ensure that he finishes this term better.
Gyokeres feels stronger this summer
The extra time with his Arsenal teammates appears to have made a significant difference to Gyokeres. Having more weeks to train and prepare should help him feel more comfortable within the squad as he continues adapting to his surroundings.
After the Gunners were beaten at the Emirates Cup by Borussia Dortmund, Gyokeres spoke about his form heading into the new season. As reported by Arsenal Media, he said:
“I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season.
“I’ve had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically.”
Arsenal striker ready for season
Gyokeres’ comments highlight how different his preparation has been this summer compared with last year. Rather than arriving after a prolonged transfer situation, he has been able to focus on training and preparing for the campaign.
The Swede will hope that improved preparation translates into better performances once the season begins. Arsenal will also benefit if their striker enters the campaign in strong physical condition and with greater familiarity with his teammates.
With more time to work with the squad, Gyokeres appears to be in a better position to contribute from the start. His improved preparation could prove important as Arsenal look to compete strongly across their competitions this term.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Better preseason how? He’s been almost useless, only one goal and it’s penalty. I hope it’s because of preseason precautions.
If pre season form was an indicator of how the actual season would pan out, then Man Utd post Ferguson would have been winning the League every season till date. They are very good at pre season after all.
And before forget, Tottenham are currently unbeaten in pre season
He isnt good enough.
Poor movement, cant latch onto a through ball, cant control a through ball. Poor positioning why did all our wingers struggle with him ? Martinelli struggles with havertz but the rest of the team links up well with kai and his game has improved. Even merino who isnt a striker all the wingers and midfield link up with him. When jesus joined he upped everyone’s game.
A mediocre player who berta got massively wrong in signing
Are you interested in a striker who can latch onto a through ball, can control a through ball and position himself well or are you more interested in a striker who delivers results?
Gyokeres has won the league in his last 3 seasons in 2 countries and 2 very different leagues. He was our highest goal scorer with 21 goals despite last season being one on which we got into trouble with most clubs, fans and pundits for being extremely defensive. Even Haaland would struggle for goals at Arsenal with the kind of football we played last season.
I prefer looking at results and not quality football. If Arteta had played the quality football he’s been doing for years and didn’t win the league last term, we would have been hiding our faces by now.
a reply to @ad above
👍
100%
I think we need to judge all last year’s signings after their 2nd season. I mean for all of them: Gyokeres; Eze; Zubimendi; Madueke etc.
Till date, all of them have been underwhelming and have only helped in squad depth.