Mikel Arteta was delighted Viktor Gyokeres got on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan, telling the striker’s critics he brings ‘something very special’ to his side.
Gabriel Jesus took his opportunity with each hands after replacing Gyokeres in Arteta’s starting XI on the San Siro, scoring either side of a thunderous Petar Sucic strike to provide the visitors a narrow lead on the halfway stage.
Eberechi Eze squandered an inviting opportunity to increase Arsenal’s advantage within the fiftieth minute, with Tuesday’s heavyweight Champions League contest still within the balance at the beginning of the second half.
But Gyokeres got here on and sent an emphatic message to his doubters with an outstanding first-time effort within the 84th minute, securing the Gunners secure passage through to the last 16 of the competition.
Victory over last 12 months’s runners-up sent Arsenal six points clear at the highest of the league phase after seven straight wins, with second-placed Bayern Munich preparing to face Union Saint-Gilloise tomorrow evening.
Arteta may, though, be scratching his head entering Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Manchester United given Jesus and Gyokeres have given the Spaniard an almighty selection headache with their well-taken goals.
Kai Havertz – who was an unused substitute in Milan – can also be back fit and available again having returned to the fold following knee surgery.
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‘I’m very pleased with the team,’ Arteta told Amazon Prime shortly after the ultimate whistle.
‘We talked before the sport about needing a special performance, a really complete performance, against a top side and we actually did that tonight.’
Asked what pleased him most concerning the display, Arteta replied: ‘The courage, the attitude, the willingness to go to a different level.
‘We’ve done it at home against two top sides this season within the competition, but to do it on the San Siro against the most effective team in Serie A and probably the greatest teams in Europe… it’s something else.’
The mere mention of Jesus’ name brought a right away smile to the face of Arteta, who branded the forward an ‘unbelievable player’.
‘The larger the sport is, the more comfortable he plays,’ the Arsenal head coach added.
‘I’m so blissful for him and he deserves the man-of-the-match award, not just for the goals but for all of the work that he’s done.
‘Not many players win here on the San Siro!’
Gyokeres has received his fair proportion of criticism in recent weeks and can little doubt have been relieved to see his late strike hit the back of the web after coming off the bench in Arsenal’s victory.
While the Swede looked off the pace as Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, the Gunners’ marquee summer signing took his goal well against the Serie A leaders.
‘An ideal impact,’ Arteta said of Gyokeres’ eye-catching cameo performance.
‘The sport was taking a shape that was fitting him very much and he had two big probabilities, he put one in every of them away, and I feel he really helped the team.’
Asked what the goal will do for Gyokeres’ confidence, Arteta replied: It’s very necessary.
‘It’s the second away game that he’s done very well, he’s finding some consistency.
‘He brings something very special to the team. That’s some finish and I’m very blissful for him as well.’
In his post-match interview with Amazon Prime, Jesus remained coy when asked about his possibilities of starting against Manchester United – refusing to position any added pressure on Arteta.
‘Everyone wants to start out. I’m a really respectful guy,’ he said.
‘I’m not a child anymore, I’m 28, so I understand football.
‘I’m very blissful Vik [Gyokeres] got here on and scored a goal. I’m so blissful I scored and Vik scored. I’m confident Kai will rating when he gets the possibility.’
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