Arsenal reach Champions League final against PSG after Gyokeres shines
Arsenal have reached the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest after securing a hard-fought aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a crucial 1-0 victory on the night to eliminate the Spanish club 2-1 on aggregate.
They will face the defending champions on May 31, after the French giants survived a late scare to draw 1-1 with Bayern Munich and progress 6-5 over two thrilling legs.
Gyokeres repays Arteta’s faith
A major talking point from the semi-final triumph was the tireless display of Viktor Gyokeres leading the line for the North Londoners.
The Swedish international has previously faced criticism for a perceived lack of output against top-tier opposition since arriving from Sporting CP.
However, the 27-year-old delivered his most complete performance in an Arsenal shirt by constantly pressing the Atletico defence and creating valuable space for his teammates.
Despite failing to register a single shot on target across 159 minutes of the tie and missing a clear chance on Tuesday, his link-up play proved vital.
Selection dilemma for Budapest
The former Coventry City striker traditionally excels when physically dominating opposing centre-backs.
Arsenal’s coaching staff must now decide whether he can replicate that physical dominance against a formidable Parisian backline.
ESPN pundit Sam Tighe has suggested that Kai Havertz could provide a more reliable tactical option for the showpiece event.
If Mikel Arteta is remotely concerned about his chances there, perhaps he should opt for the tried-and-trusted Havertz, saving the Swede for an impact role later on.
Meanwhile, European football expert Julien Laurens believes the striker’s recent tactical improvement fully justifies his inclusion.
Gyokeres was always going to need some time to adapt to the Premier League and to Arsenal.
The powerful forward has visibly grown in confidence since the turn of the year, successfully adapting to the diminished time and space afforded to attackers in English football.