Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyokeres has raised his game to the “highest level” after he scored a second-half brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland.
Following Martin Zubimendi's impressive first-half opener at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres landed his first just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The Sweden international then completed his brace in stoppage time to put the gloss on a win which moved Arteta's side nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Gyokeres has faced criticism during his first campaign in north London. But his double takes his tally to four in as many matches, and six from his last eight appearances.
And Arteta said: "Confidence is the magic word. When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that's when you can really take your game to the highest level.
"We are really behind him in every moment to try to help him, to try to support him. And he is delivering, and he's in a really good moment now.
"Obviously, when you put that shirt on, there is a lot of responsibility and huge expectation, and you need to live with that.
"In your journey, you're going to have moments where it goes really well, and then others where it is going to be tough.
"With Viktor, it's very difficult to understand his emotions because he looks straight at you. But he doesn't seem too affected by the real highs or the lows. He's very demanding of himself; he's constantly trying to improve.
"I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he's so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has."
Arsenal once again showed their strength in depth with Gyokeres' performance off the bench.
The Gunners have now scored nine goals via substitutes in the Premier League this season, more than any other team, and Gyokeres believes it's a good sign for the team.
"The results show it but [Sunderland] are a very good side," Gyokeres told Your Site. "They are very strong and good in the air so it'll always be a battle. When you score three goals, it's a good result.
"We've shown throughout the season that a lot of players have come from the bench and had an impact. It's a very good sign and we have to keep it going.
"We had some great results recently but it's always tough and we have to be on top in every aspect to win games. We have to prepare our bodies and win the next one."
Analysis from Your Site' Callum Bishop:
Gabriel Jesus' return from injury has meant one key thing from the perspective of Viktor Gyokeres. He is no longer guaranteed to lead the line for Arsenal.
Given it has been a tough season for the Swede, it may have been easy for him to go into his shell even more. He has been used to averaging a goal a game or better in the last couple of seasons. With 11 goals in 31 appearances for the Gunners, he is well off those levels.
But a noticeable improvement is apparent. The 27-year-old has eight goal involvements in his last eight games. In 2026, he has more goals than any other Premier League player across all competitions.
Yes, some might point to the opposition in some of these. Kairat Almaty should've been brushed aside. Leeds and Sunderland are not easy games, but still ones you'd expect Arsenal to win. But among those are also goals and assists against Chelsea and Inter Milan too.
Notably, the goal against Milan was similar to his second against the Black Cats. Gyokeres was able to bear down on goal with the opposition pressing. The finishes were different, but the nature was the same. And he was fresher having come off the bench.
Perhaps that's the key to unlocking the best from Gyokeres towards the back end of the season. With Jesus and Havertz back as options, does Arteta look at Gyokeres as more of an impact player on the bench?
That role would appear to suit his strengths more. Very rarely do Arsenal play in a way that allows Gyokeres the chance to run in behind and get a march on defenders, since they are usually holding possession in areas high up the pitch. But, in tight games like against Inter or Sunderland, their resolute defensive structure means they can soak up pressure and then hit teams on the break. With Gyokeres fresh and up top in those moments, there's no player in that Gunners squad they'd rather have leading the charge.
The strength in depth Arteta has at his disposal is going to be crucial from now until the end of the season. Nine goals from the bench is the highest of any Premier League club and proves just how much quality he has. But just as important as that is how he utilises it.
Would Gyokeres have been dreaming of coming to the Emirates to be a player to come off the bench? Of course not. However, that may be where he is most effective from now until the season's end.
Arsenal are now in a strong position to claim their first title since 2004 with 39 points left to play for across the final 13 rounds.
Manchester City will have to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to trim Arsenal's advantage back to six points.
But when asked what his team's latest victory means in their quest to take the title, Arteta replied: "Nothing. We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want.
"I'm going to have a beautiful dinner tonight. Tomorrow I start to prepare for Brentford (on Thursday), because it's going to be a really tough one.
"And in the meantime, I will be watching a big, big game (between Liverpool and City)."
