Mikel Arteta issued a fierce warning to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals following the 3-0 win over Athletic Club. Arsenal made sure to finish their pre-season endeavours with a win as they put in an assertive display to beat Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. First-half goals from Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka put them in a commanding position, before Kai Havertz added a third in the second half. The Gunners played the ball with zip and purpose, resulting in a performance and result that will take them into the season full of belief and confidence. Arguably the biggest talking point from the encounter will be Viktor Gyökeres’ first goal for the club. Despite concerns over his aerial ability before the transfer, the Swede scored with a brilliantly headed goal from a pinpoint delivery from Martin Zubimendi.
Arteta hails Gyökeres and warns rivals
Speaking to reporters, as picked up by HaytersTV after the game, Mikel Arteta pointed out the importance of his first goal for the club, while firing a stern warning to their Premier League rivals. “That first goal is always very important. The way he took it as well, really well,” he continued, “Everything that he does, his movement, timing, the way he predicts the next move, where the space is going to be, that’s the instinct he has. That’s why he’s scored so many goals in the last few seasons. He pins both centre backs. He’s a player that if you leave him with space one against one, he’s gonna destroy you so he’s going to create a lot of space for us. In any situation there is a player there that can score a goal.”
Fans would have no doubt been impressed by his all-round display. He took his goal well, but he also impressed with his hold-up play and dribbling, with the former perfectly illustrated by his role in Bukayo Saka’s goal.
Confidence building ahead of Manchester United clash
After featuring against Tottenham and Villarreal without making a significant impact, the importance of that goal cannot be overemphasised, especially with the new season just a week away. It is important not to get ahead of ourselves given it is just one game, but fans should be encouraged by what they saw. If Gyökeres and Arsenal play like that against Manchester United, a win will be the only outcome.
How many goals do you see Gyökeres scoring this season?
Benjamin Kenneth
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It was good scoring start for him yesterday, but let’s not get too carried away before the first game of the season.
Depends on the system and formation.
Last year’s slow, side to side play, with the striker more of a facilitator than target for finishing, Gyokeres won’t get 20 goals.
Double pivot and LB overlapping like yesterday and Gyokeres will score over 20 goals.
Just my opinion of course, but playing to a finisher’s strengths is what we have been lacking last several years.
Durand,
Playing to a players strength, something I’ve said on more than one post over time. While player’s have to be able to adapt to formations and tactics.
There’s also a need to play to said player’s strength. Just because certain player’s may struggle to adapt to a certain way of playing, doesn’t mean the manager should write him off.
This is what I think was Tierney’s downfall to a point. He struggled to adapt to the inverted left back roll. And was therefore overlooked because of it.
Durand
The sideways passing was indeed horrible. The conversation now is about being more direct and now having a specialist up front. I noticed the improvement when Gyokeres started against Villarreal. No doubt the same would apply if Sesko had been signed.
You may have a different opinion or perspective on why Arteta concentrated on possession last season based on the club’s inability to sign a suitable striker. As they say, the opposition can’t score if you have the ball. Arteta would frequently say in post match interviews that chances were created but the finishing wasn’t as good as it should have been. We bemoaned the number of draws.
Most expected a striker last season and when Sesko decided to stay put that set the cat among the pigeons and required a different approach. Havertz isn’t a striker and Jesus played in less than half the season’s games – although he’s hardly prolific. If it’s the same this season with the timid build up all the time I’ll be disappointed – very disappointed.
SueP, I believe MA was simply attempting to respond in the best way to mitigate the effects of the injuries and the resultant disruptions in play. In truth, I doubt that he had any real expectation of overtaking LP but was trying to make the best of a bad situation and assure UCL qualification.
Was it the best way? You guys can battle that one out.
Birds as well, sorry SueP and other females on JA.
Bruised Banana,
Shouldn’t that be Guys and Gals.
Guys and Birds don’t sound right. 😂👍
👍Close enough mate.
Bruised Banana,
I’ve just seen you comment on Crystal Palace’s ban, on the BBC Website. You get everywhere.😂👍
An old bird in my case BB
I think you’re exactly right about mitigating our injuries. That’s given as an excuse in some quarters but Arsenal have played good football under Arteta in previous seasons. There’s no reason why they can’t again
I do believe he will do well , but FFS I do wish Arteta would close his mouth ,everything that comes out of his gob you would think he’s a top top manager that as won things .
Rival fans have turned us into a cringe meme because of his actions ,just stay humble and once we do grab a trophy then open your mouth .
From his touchline antics to his pathetic excuses ,it’s just utter cringe .
Hopefully he did t say “he’s going to destroy you “ if he did that just backs up my post .🙄
Especially as he did t want him .
Dan kit
I agree with you about Arteta. Why give the opposition and other fans a stick with which to beat you?
As to his comment, and it is shown as a quote in the article, in context:
“He’s a player that if you leave him with space one against one, he’s gonna destroy you …”. so, I guess he qualified it but nevertheless, let Gyokeres get the goals first and then give the press the quotes.
It’s articles like this by writers getting ahead of themselves and headlines quoting Arteta as saying “he’s gonna destroy you”, which he did not say, which gives other fans and pundits a big stick to beat us with. Article writers and especially headline writers need to calm down and I’d suggest engaging brain before opening mouth!
Well apologies from me, it seems like I misread the article and Arteta did say it but there is some context there also. Perhaps I will engage brain myself in future or get my eyes checked before commenting 😵💫
GB,
Talk about getting burned by your own quote. 😂🤣👍
Refreshing accountability though.
Cheers BB.
Absolutely DEREK I’m 🔥 🤣
GB,
As Bruised Banana said, fare play for fronting up regards your quote, It still making me laugh now.😂👍
Give the beast his head, he will score. Its service he needs, not praise. 💪💪💪
Does anyone noticed he scored his first Arsenal goal with his head? Contrary to popular opinion about him being weak in the air😂😂😂
I found that amusing as well after all the discussion about how he wasn’t as good as Sesko or other strong strikers in the air. Long may it continue.