Mikel Arteta has addressed concerns after star striker Viktor Gyokeres was substituted again during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
It took second-half alterations for Arsenal to get ahead on the night, with the introduction of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both of whom got on the scoresheet, changing the game entirely.
Gyokeres was involved in some of Arsenal’s attacking threats throughout the first period but failed to truly threaten the goal.
The Swedish striker also suffered a head injury after he clashed heads with Gunners skipper Gabriel, leading many to speculate this could have resulted in his substitution in the 65th minute.
Viktor Gyokeres suffered a head injury after he clashed heads with Gunners skipper Gabriel in the first half
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Boss Arteta has denied the injury had any part to play in his withdrawal, though, citing tactical changes as his reasoning.
“[The substitution] was because we wanted to change certain things,” Arteta told Viaplay. “He’s played a lot of minutes as well. My feeling was we needed fresh men.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the decision to substitute Viktor Gyokeres was a tactical decision
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“I think they had very clear references, especially when we were in ball possession, and Leo [Trossard] brings something very, very different to that.
“Martinelli [does] as well, because the game was really starting to open up, they had a really high line in certain moments and hopefully we could exploit it.”
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Mikel Arteta addressed concerns after star striker Viktor Gyokeres was substituted again during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday night
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The opening goal came merely seconds after Martinelli’s introduction on the pitch, and was a trademark goal from the Brazilian.
Trossard produced a clever flick on from a long pass, leaving Martinelli just one defender to nick the ball past before he was through on goal, which he did expertly.
The 24-year-old galloped through the entire Athletic Bilbao half after skipping over the challenge, and slotted the ball home coolly under the diving Unai Simon in the net.
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Martinelli would then turn provider for Trossard’s deflected effort that sealed the game.
Gyokeres has started every game for the Gunners so far this season, but has only completed 90 minutes twice and often sees his number on the electronic board around the hour mark.
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Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scored for Arsenal on the night
|REUTERS
With substitutes affecting the game so significantly last night, questions have been raised over the Swede’s position in the starting XI in future matches, particularly with the Gunners’ vastly improved squad depth this campaign.
Arteta, though, reiterated that he was happy when asked about his early impressions of Gyokeres after his £55million move to the Emirates this summer.
“Very good,” Arteta insisted. “Personally, an exceptional character, and then as a player, he brings another level to what we’ve been having, and a lot of threat.”
The Spaniard also confirmed the availability of both Gyokeres and Mikel Merino for their upcoming clash against Manchester City this weekend, as the pair suffered head injuries throughout the game.
“I think they are good. I haven’t spoken to them, but I think they’re all good,” he concluded.