WATCH: Gyokeres silences critics as he scores first Arsenal goal

Victor Gyokeres is finally off the mark for Arsenal as he scored a well-placed header in the 34th minute to open the scoring in the preseason clash against Athletic Club.

The 27-year-old has already played two games for the Gunners since signing for Sporting CP. His two appearances have come in defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal, inviting criticism and derision from rival fans and sceptics.

Gyokeres has now gotten his first goal as the new Arsenal centre-forward, scoring a brilliant header off the assist of another new signing, Martin Zubimendi.

Gyokeres’s brilliant header, which placed the ball beyond the reach of Villarreal’s Luiz Junior, is quite powerful narratively, as it not only got him off the mark but also addressed a key point of criticism against his centre-forward play. 

Arsenal were in simultaneous pursuits of both Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. A large section of Gooners wanted the new Manchester United man, as he was dominant aerially and would have been an incredible addition to a side that was already dominant in that aspect. 

Gyokeres, on the other hand, although standing at an impressive 6'2", posted unimpressive numbers in that department. The Swede only won about 1.16 aerial duels per 90, which placed him in the 18th percentile. Also, he scored no headed goals in league football last season, according to Transfermarkt.

That was a major point of contention and worry for many Arsenal fans. Interestingly, Gyokeres has now shown he is capable in that department, heading in his first goal. The first of many, fans of the Arsenal persuasion will hope.