By Martin Graham
Victor Gyokeres seems to be settling into life in North London as arsenal chasing honors in four tournaments, with recent production suggesting a shift in momentum.
The Sweden international’s contribution has quietly picked up pace, placing him among the Premier League’s most prolific strikers since the calendar changed.
Although his start after arriving from Sporting was uneven, recent displays indicate growing assurance, echoing a finishing touch that saw him hit 97 times in 102 outings in Portugal.
In all competitions in 2026, Gyokeres has scored six goals, a total unmatched by any other top-flight player in that period.
Context matters, though. Arsenal have played 11 games this year due to continued involvement in domestic cups and the Champions League, more than most league rivals.
Still, confidence is visibly rising. His brace against Sunderland took his recent tally to six goals in eight appearances and marked back-to-back league games with goals for the first time this campaign.
The timing suits Arsenal’s ambitions as they look to end a six-year drought without a major trophy.
How Havertz’s role could unlock more
Gyokeres rebound may be related to Kai Havertz’s reintroduction after a knee problem, with signs of chemistry starting to emerge.
Initially, the two were expected to compete for the centre-forward role, with Havertz favored in high-profile matches due to his wider contribution and the trust of Mikel Arteta.
Since returning, Havertz has played more deeply against Portsmouth, Kairat, Leeds United and Sunderland.
Injuries to Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard, combined with opponents expected to sit out, have pushed Havertz into midfield areas, where his connection with Gyökeres has grown.
Their link-up produced the first goal against Kairat and the second goal against Sunderland, hinting at a developing partnership.
What the data says about influence
A closer look at the numbers adds nuance. Six of Gyokeres’ eight league goals have come against promoted teams.
These goals still carry weight. Sunderland in particular have exceeded expectations this season, and breaking down compact defenses remains a challenge Arsenal often face.
His penalty at Everton secured maximum points this season, improving on last season’s disappointing result at Goodison Park.
Despite this, his Premier League goals have only secured two points directly, with just three of his 13 goals in all competitions altering the game after opening the scoring against Burnley, Everton and Kairat.
Earlier reviews labeled him as a goalscorer who thrived mainly against weaker opposition. During Sporting’s 2024-25 league campaign, he averaged 1.18 goals per game, but found the net just twice in eight matches against teams that finished second and fifth, while 17 of 39 goals came against the bottom four.
His approach may lack elegance, but it gets results. Used as a substitute, he has three goals on six shots in seven appearances, compared to 10 on 55 attempts in 25 starts.
Beyond finishing, his presence creates space for others. Arsenal are winning more often and conceding less when they start games, underscoring their work rate and defensive contribution.
Arteta has praised his mentality, highlighting firmness under pressure and a relentless drive to improve, qualities valued amid high expectations and constant scrutiny.
With many games still to come, Gyokeres’ renewed goalscoring touch positions him to play a decisive role as Arsenal’s season enters its defining phase.
