Viktor Gyokeres: Did Arsenal striker's goal and assist at Chelsea in Carabao Cup show he is getting used to Mikel Arteta's set-up?

It was as if it was written. Ben White crossed and Viktor Gyokeres put the ball within the internet from shut vary. Each of them had been team-mates at Brighton’s youth staff and one in all their coaches? Liam Rosenior.

However this was not only a pleasant reunion. With a aim and an help in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Rosenior’s Chelsea within the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, this may occasionally simply be the day the place Gyokeres actually confirmed his price.

Gyokeres’ aim was a tap-in with the aim gaping, his help for Martin Zubimendi appeared like a easy flick. However there was extra to it than that, as each had one factor in widespread: he was surrounded by a number of gamers.

For his aim, two Chelsea gamers had been stretching for the ball as he bundled the ball house. For Zubimendi’s aim, the Spaniard had area to complete as a result of Arsenal’s centre ahead had attracted three gamers round him earlier than laying it off.

It was one other reminder that Gyokeres is the Premier League participant afforded the least quantity of area by defenders. However this can be the efficiency that exhibits the Swedish ahead is lastly attending to grips along with his Arsenal problem.

Attracting defenders has been the massive plus-point from Gyokeres this season. It didn’t go unnoticed that two out of Arsenal’s three objectives got here from open play crosses.

Creating the area for these crossers and different key attackers is the talent that Mikel Arteta, who has stored choosing him, values in him most – in an Arsenal aspect who’ve barely performed with a pure centre ahead for the final three seasons.

“The expectation is at all times to attain, and we demand rather more than that,” stated Arteta of Gyokeres after the Chelsea recreation, branding it a “actually good efficiency”. “Viktor has been distinctive in lots of departments.