Mikel Arteta has publicly defended striker Viktor Gyokeres after the Swedish international failed to register a single shot in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, insisting the team must provide better service for their record signing.
Arteta backs Gyokeres after goalless display in Arsenal’s draw with Man City
Despite playing the full 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres managed just 24 touches and lost possession 13 times while recording a passing accuracy of only 62%.
The £64 million summer acquisition from Sporting CP now has zero goal contributions in three appearances against ‘Big Six’ opponents this season.
Arteta launched a robust defence of his striker when questioned by reporters post-match.
“Well there were a lot of very good balls in the box, especially I remember three of them that he was very, very close to doing against City,” said the Arsenal manager.
“To have very big open chances is extremely difficult, but he’s certainly trying his best and trying to do that and we have to provide more for him, that’s it”.
The Gunners ultimately relied on a 93rd-minute Gabriel Martinelli equalizer to salvage a point after Erling Haaland’s early opener for the visitors.
Showing our fight ✊
Check out the highlights from today’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City 📺 pic.twitter.com/9y89tmWbpc
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 21, 2025
Gyokeres’ performance contrasted sharply with Haaland, who now has 13 goals in just eight games for club and country this season.
While Gyokeres has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances against lesser opposition, his struggles against top-tier defenders have raised questions about his ability to decide major fixtures.
However, pundit Jamie Carragher suggested the issue lies with Arsenal’s creativity rather than the striker himself, noting: “They haven’t created one chance for him” in these big games.
Arteta’s public backing indicates he remains confident in Gyokeres’ potential to lead Arsenal’s title charge once the team adapts to his playing style.
