He knows the level we want — Arteta backs Gyokeres to raise his game

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes summer signing Viktor Gyokeres will raise his level in the coming weeks.

After a decisive goal and assist in Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea, Viktor Gyokeres was back in the news for positive reasons.

The conversation continued into Mikel Arteta's press conference on Friday, where the manager offered a surprising assessment of his striker's form.

"He's been very consistent," Arteta stated, a view that contrasts with the perception of many observers.

Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal last summer in a high-profile £64 million deal, but his initial months have been challenging. Questions have been raised about whether he possesses the goal-scoring prowess required to lead the line for a team at the top of the Premier League.

Despite scoring eight goals across all competitions, Gyokeres has experienced frustrating dry spells, including a nine-game drought between September and October. He ended that run with two close-range goals in a 4-0 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid.

When asked if the former Sporting striker had experienced self-doubt since his move to North London, Arteta was quick to defend his player.

"I haven't seen that," the manager replied. "Obviously, he's a very demanding person. He knows the level that we need. He really wants to fulfil everything that we expect of him.

"He's been really trying, he's been very consistent, and I thought that against Chelsea he had a great game and scored the goal that helped us to win the game."