Arsenal took on Burnley away from home in the Premier League this weekend and came away with all three points in a 2-0 win. One man was very much the star of the show.
Burnley started with confidence, but when the ball went out for a corner in the 14th minute, Arsenal took control. Declan Rice’s cross was met by Gabriel, who kept the ball alive at the far post, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to head in from close range.
Before half-time, it was 2-0 to Mikel Arteta’s side. This time, the away team executed a fine counterattack, with Leandro Trossard eventually finding Declan Rice, who met the cross with perfect timing to double his team’s lead.
Gyokeres Dazzles vs Burnley
Eyebrows were raised when Arteta started 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous vs Brighton in the mid-week game but the youngster impressed. Not only did he help Arsenal win that match 2-0 but he also took valuable off from Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker has had to be the main striker for the Gunners this season, starting ever league and Champions League game so far, with Kai Havertz injured. As such, he’s looked a little tired and leggy at times. With this in mind, it was a stroke of genius from Arteta to play Harriman-Annous during the mid-week.
Against Burnley, Gyokeres looked fresh and was fantastic as a result. Not only did he score his goal, but he ran the Burnley defenders ragged with his excellent centre-forward play, and played a key role in the build-up to the second goal. In fact, some were convinced that it was his best outing for the club so far.
Journalist Charles Watts claimed as much online, as he wrote: “That’s Viktor Gyokeres’ best 45 minutes in an Arsenal shirt by a distance. Got his goal obviously, but his hold and link-up play has been excellent. Everything has been sticking and his pass in the build-up to Rice’s goal was exquisite.”
On a similar theme, fellow journalist Sam Dean added:
“This has surely been the best half of football that Vikor Gyokeres has played for Arsenal, and probably by some distance? Holding it up, switching play, finding through balls.”
The only negative was that Gyokeres had to go off at half-time. For now, it remains unclear quite what the issue was. But it’s a testament to his quality that they didn’t look as fluid in the second half without the Swede leading the line.
Arsenal Fans Blown Away By Gyokeres ‘Masterclass’
During the match, Arsenal fans would not help but make their feelings on their player’s performance clear. One wrote:
“Top performance. Winning 2-0 but should be at least 4-0 up. Created more than enough to be comfortably winning. Gyokeres’ best performance so far, no surprise it’s come after a week where he’s had a full rest. It’s probably something they’re gonna have to be wary of going forward.”
Another said: “It’s been a Gyokeres masterclass.”
On his pass before Rice’s goal, one more added: “My mouth was open. I did not expect that.” Another called it: “Gerrard-esque.”
One fan said: “Just take a look at that switch of play from Gyokeres to setup Rice’s goal. Special footballer.” Another wrote: “Excellent. He keeps getting better and better. The goal was a Gyokeres goal, but did you see his pass for the Rice one? Elite stuff.”
Another said: “What has Mikel Arteta given Gyokeres to eat today. That ball is outrageous.”
Finally, one summed things up, saying: “Amazing performance by Gyokeres, hopefully he’s not injured. Should’ve had an assist or two.”