Viktor Gyokeres has confirmed that his cheeky hair-flick celebration in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds was a response to those who had mocked his performance against Manchester United.
The Swede struggled to make an impact on his full Premier League debut last weekend, failing to take a single shot and often cutting an isolating figure up front before he was taken off on the hour-mark at Old Trafford.
But it was a different story altogether on Gyokeres’ second start against newly promoted Leeds, with Arsenal’s marquee summer signing bouncing back from an early miss to complete a brace on a dream day at the Emirates.
Jurrien Timber also scored a double and Bukayo Saka netted on the stroke of half-time before Gyokeres converted from the penalty spot in the dying moments to cap off a fine display in north London.
The only downside for the hosts was a pair of injuries to key men Martin Odegaard and Saka, and Mikel Arteta will no doubt be sweating over the duo’s fitness ahead of his side’s upcoming trip to champions Liverpool.
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Gyokeres’ first was arguably the pick of Arsenal’s goals, with the striker taking up possession on the left before cutting in and beating Lucas Perri with an incisive finish at the near post.
The former Sporting man produced his trademark Bane celebration to mark his first competitive goal for the Gunners, a sight rival supporters may have to get used to over the coming weeks and months.
But it was Gyokeres’ celebration after his late spot-kick that really got fans talking on social media, given it appeared to be a reference to the trolling he received for his somewhat disappointing showing at United.
Many online joked that Gyokeres had taken more touches of his hair than the ball over the course of his 60 minutes at Old Trafford – but it was the forward who had the last laugh just one week on.
‘Yeah, it might be. It could be something to do with that,’ Gyokeres told Sky Sports with a knowing smile when asked if his celebration was a response to the trolls.
‘I’m really happy with the result and yeah, of course, it was very nice to score two goals as well.’
Gyokeres said he was always confident the goals would come ‘sooner or later’ as he gradually gets to know his team-mates better.
‘There is always pressure but I know I will take my chances sooner or later and today I took two of them and we won 5-0 so it was a great day,’ Gyokeres said of the scrutiny he has faced since joining Arsenal.
‘It was a short pre-season for me and not too many weeks training.
‘Then, of course, I didn’t play any 90 minutes during the pre-season so it was important for me to get 90 minutes and get the rhythm and to get to know the team even more during this game.
‘I felt more comfortable today in how we’re playing and I think you could see that as well.’
Explaining his first goal, Gyokeres said: ‘I think I’m comfortable when the ball is coming in behind, especially on the left, and then cutting inside, I know I will take the chance when I have it like that.
‘It was a nice goal to start off with.
‘We have so many amazing players going forward and I think, for me, it’s just important to be in the right place and doing the movements that I’ll do.
‘I think I will get a lot of chances during the season.’
Gyokeres is ready for the challenges that await and is confident Arsenal can still find room for improvement despite their impressive 100 per cent start in the English top flight.
‘It’s difficult. All the teams we play against want to challenge us and make it difficult for us so we have to prepare for every game as best as possible,’ he went on.
‘But we have an amazing team and we train well, work hard every day, so it’s just about keeping going like this.
‘We’ve started off well with two wins, two clean sheets, and a lot of goals so I think we’re on the right path.
‘But we can always do better and improve so that’s the aim.’
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