Gyokeres hails ‘honest’ Arsenal talks after thumping win over Tottenham
Viktor Gyokeres believes “honest” conversations within the Arsenal squad were the catalyst for their emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
The Sweden international scored twice as the Gunners produced a perfect response to their frustrating stalemate against Wolves earlier in the week.
Midfielder Declan Rice revealed the squad held a frank debrief following the 2-2 draw at Molineux, where the league leaders surrendered a two-goal advantage in stoppage time.
A frank exchange of views
That result marked the first time in Premier League history a table-topping side had squandered such a lead against a team in the bottom three.
With Manchester City breathing down their necks in the title race, Gyokeres insisted the air-clearing session was vital for the team’s psychological recovery.
“It’s important sometimes just to say what you feel and to let it all out in the group,” said Gyokeres.
“Most of us spoke. Everyone can recognise how different people feel in the moment and you get a better understanding of the feeling.”
The summer signing emphasised that transparency is non-negotiable for a team chasing silverware.
“When you speak in the group openly like that, you come closer together and it’s very important to do that sometimes. If you’re not honest, I think it’s hard to improve.”
Arteta proud of rapid response
Gyokeres produced arguably his finest display in an Arsenal shirt during the derby, netting his first goal shortly after the interval to restore control.
Despite facing criticism during his debut campaign, the forward’s clinical finishing justified the club’s significant investment to bring him to the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the resilience of his squad following a difficult few days of introspection.
“I am very, very proud and very happy, not for today, but what happened in the last three days,” Arteta explained.
“We need some people around them with positivity, drive and who stand up next to you when we need them. And it’s been really, really good to work with them in the last few days.”
The Gunners will look to carry this momentum into another high-profile London derby when they face Chelsea next weekend.