Arsenal: Mikel Arteta calls out stars in Viktor Gyokeres response | Football | Sport
Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres after his performance against Wolves, instead highlighting the failings of other Arsenal players. The Gunners cruised to a dramatic 2-1 victory, with all three goals scored in the closing stages and the winner arriving deep into stoppage time.
A fortuitous own goal from Sam Johnstone, following a Bukayo Saka corner, gave Arsenal the lead before Tolu Arokodare equalized in the dying moments of normal time. However, Yerson Mosquera inadvertently headed into his own net four minutes into injury time to secure the points for Arsenal.
Despite playing against the bottom club in the Premier League, Arsenal were well below their usual standards, something Arteta readily admitted while explaining the challenges faced.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: “Yes, (to win) in the end but we knew it would be a difficult game, especially if we didn’t manage to score early in the game. We had a lot of situations in the first half, a huge big chance for Martinelli, two meters out, completely free and we didn’t score.
“But we struggled once we got to those dangerous areas to find a red shirt in the box. We had a lot of situations and we didn’t generate a lot of clear chances.”
“In the second half we did a little better, we scored the goal. But then we had periods of three minutes deep, so passive, with very bad defensive habits. It’s not acceptable for our level because we didn’t concede a single shot until that moment. The first time they do it, they score a goal. It’s the Premier League.
“We are very aware of that and need to improve that because at the very end we are counting on individual action, very chaotic action to score the goal and win the match, and the margin should have been bigger.”
Wolves effectively used a low block at Emirates, which left Gyokeres struggling to get involved. He recorded just 15 touches in his 81 minutes on the pitch, although Arteta suggested his teammates could offer more support.
Asked about the need for Gyokeres to contribute more while receiving better service, Arteta explained: “It’s a collaboration between the two. He was in a lot of really good positions and the ball didn’t come into the box quickly enough, accurately enough or just with the precision required for a No.9 to score the goal.
“But his work rate and his intentions were there and we have to keep pushing.”
The only major concern from the match was Ben White’s injury, with Arteta providing an update afterwards.
He admitted: “It looks like a hamstring, so we don’t know the extent of that, but probably tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we’ll know more.”
Injury problems have blighted Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign, with Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba all doubtful for the upcoming weekend match. Arteta even admitted that playing Saliba was a gamble after his recent absence.
“We even had to take risks today, Willy, because it probably wasn’t their best goal to play 90 minutes because we were buying tickets for another injury, but we don’t have anyone else,” Arteta added.