Viktor Gyökeres has quickly become Arsenal’s focal point up front, and his double in the Champions League demolition of Atlético Madrid highlighted why. Experts Andy Cole and Guillem Balagué dissected how the Swedish striker’s exceptional ability to run the channels creates space for teammates like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, transforming Arsenal’s attack into a more fluid and varied machine.
Channel-Running Mastery Opens Up Arsenal’s Attack
In the 4-0 Emirates triumph, Gyökeres’ movement pulled Atlético’s defenders out of position, allowing wingers to exploit gaps. Cole, a former Manchester United legend, praised this “magician-like” quality on BBC analysis, noting how Gyökeres’ intelligent runs force center-backs to narrow, leaving full-backs vulnerable and enabling quick transitions. Balagué, a Spanish football specialist, added that this isn’t just poaching—it’s strategic disruption, echoing Gyökeres’ 97-goal haul at Sporting CP but adapted to Premier League intensity. His brace—one a scrappy bundle from a Gabriel header, the other a clinical set-piece finish—came after nine goalless games, rewarding his persistence and work rate, as Mikel Arteta called him “phenomenal” for varying Arsenal’s play beyond Kai Havertz’s injury absences.
Beyond Goals: A Focal Point That Unlocks Teammates
Gyökeres isn’t a Thierry Henry-esque flair player, but his undervalued traits—like relentless pressing and link-up—make him unique, per pundits. Cole highlighted how his off-ball runs against Atlético created overloads for Martinelli’s curled strike and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s assist, while Balagué pointed to his humility in celebrating solo, pushed forward by teammates in unity. With five goals in 12 appearances (all at home), he’s no flat-track bully but a “difference-maker” who poses problems for defenses by drawing markers tight, freeing Odegaard and Eze. Arteta noted this elevates the whole team, maintaining Arsenal’s perfect Champions League start with three clean sheets. As Gyökeres said post-match, “I’m hungrier now—goals are special, but contributing everywhere matters.” Watch the highlights below for the full demolition.
