It may have been just a pre-season friendly against Villarreal, but there was a buzz of anticipation around the Emirates as Arsenal fans eagerly awaited their first glimpse of £64m signing Viktor Gyökeres in action.
The Gunners faithful are hoping the 27-year-old Swedish striker will be the final piece needed to push Arsenal toward their first major trophy since 2020.
The loudest cheer before kick-off came when Gyökeres’ name was announced in the starting XI—only matched by the roar for 15-year-old academy star Max Dowman’s introduction later in the match.
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Every time Gyökeres touched the ball, there was a sense of expectation, with his teammates appearing keen to help him mark his debut with a goal. Though he didn’t find the net, and Arsenal fell 3-2 to the La Liga visitors, there were encouraging signs in his hour-long performance. Christian Nørgaard and captain Martin Ødegaard provided Arsenal’s goals.
Gyökeres had gone two months without team training following his departure from Sporting, but with another friendly against Athletic Bilbao coming up on Saturday, his match fitness is improving rapidly ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener at Manchester United on 17 August.
Manager Mikel Arteta is confident the striker will be fully ready for the challenge at Old Trafford.
“Mentally, and in terms of understanding what he needs to do, he’ll be 100%—or even more,” said Arteta. “He’s so willing, so confident in his ability to deliver straight away. I have no doubt he’ll be in a really good place.”
Arteta added: “We broke that line today—it was important for him to start and feel that connection with the team. He’s only been with us a week, but I’ve already seen a lot of positive signs, especially in how he attacks space.”
With more minutes expected against Bilbao, Arteta believes several players, including Gyökeres, will be much sharper for the season curtain-raiser.
