Arsenal hotshot Viktor Gyokeres ended his goal drought with a brace after fears over his attacking output
Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres has proven former striker Jeremie Aliadiere right after ending his goal drought against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Swede was on the scoresheet for the Gunners for the first time since his effort during the win over Nottingham Forest at the beginning of September – backing claims from the ex-forward that goals will come for the 27-year-old.
Despite his lack of goalscoring output in front of goal, Mikel Arteta's side have continued their formidable run and ensured they didn't slip up in Europe, while Premier League title rivals Liverpool have allowed them to bridge a four-point gap to the reigning champions. Gyokeres returned to England's top-flight with a fierce reputation after becoming one of the most prolific talismen in Europe.
Although in the early stages of his North London career haven't been glittered with goals – he has five to his name in 12 appearances across all competitions – Aliadiere believes he will come good.
"I think his workrate, everything he gives and brings to the team has been good," he exclusively told the Mirror via WhichBookie.
"Apart from scoring more goals, that’s obvious, you want him to score more goals, obviously – he’s brought to the team something different because they [Arsenal] play a different way.
"We haven’t had a pure number nine for a few years now, having him, making them runs, pressing, holding the ball and all that kind of stuff, he’s worked so hard.
"I’m sure if he carries on, I’m sure the goals will come."
The Frenchman, who featured during Arsenal's invincible season, added: "I think the goals will soon follow.
"I just feel because he’s so eager to work so hard for the team. I feel sometimes because he’s worked so hard, unselfish runs, I do feel when he gets his chance, he’s not quite there.
"He’s not in the right position because of the work he has done previously in the same.
"When you look at the work he’s done previously, I know how he feels, he has ran everywhere, pressed and suddenly 70 minutes in, you’ve got nothing left. You’re tired, your composure has gone and then you’re not quite there.
"I think he might need to balance his hard work with trying to be selfish and think, ‘I need to score goals and stay in the box so when I get that chance I take it’. Overall, he’s been a massive plus since he’s come in, we’ve been a different team."
Gyokeres followed in the footsteps of Thierry Henry by taking the number 14 shirt following his arrival.
There have been suggestions mooted that the pressure of carrying baton after the iconic French talisman is weighing heavy on the Sweden international.
However, Aliadiere rejected the notion. He continued: "I don’t think it should [carry pressure after Thierry Henry’s success], in my eyes it doesn’t.
"But I’m an ex-player and I’ve played myself, I know in terms of the fanbase know what Thierry Henry represents with the number 14, they may make a bit of comparison and start thinking, ‘you’ve taken the number 14, we want the same outcome’.
"I don’t think it should make any different whatever number he wears but it could have a bit of extra pressure."