Mikel Arteta Sends Fresh Message to Viktor Gyokeres After Leeds Win

According to a report by London Evening Standard on Saturday October 10, 2026, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reminded Viktor Gyokeres that he must prove his quality whenever he gets an opportunity after the Gunners defeated Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Sweden international has struggled for regular playing time in the Premier League this season. He had accumulated just 29 minutes before the Leeds encounter, with all his league appearances coming off the bench against Chelsea, Brighton and Leeds.

Gyokeres scored 21 goals in 55 appearances during his first season at Arsenal. However, Kai Havertz’s return to fitness has increased competition for the striker’s position.

Before Saturday’s match, Gyokeres had started only two of his five appearances across all competitions without recording a goal or assist. He subsequently scored four goals in four Nations League matches for Sweden during the international break.

Speaking after the victory over Leeds, Arteta explained that the striker would receive more opportunities but needed to make the most of them.

“He will play games and he will have minutes, and the best way is when they enter the pitch, show how good they are,” the Arsenal manager said.

Arteta also mentioned Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard while discussing competition for places. He acknowledged Merino’s international performances but praised Odegaard’s exceptional form.

The Arsenal boss insisted that players must demonstrate their abilities whenever opportunities arise.

Gyokeres started Saturday’s match on the bench, with Havertz leading the attack. James Justin gave Leeds the lead in the 56th minute before Riccardo Calafiori equalised six minutes later.

Gyokeres replaced Havertz in the 64th minute, but missed an opportunity following a defensive mix-up. He later set up Bukayo Saka for a late chance, although Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford made the save. Arsenal eventually secured victory through Bruno Guimaraes’ 70th-minute goal.

The result moved Arsenal to 15 points from six league matches, level with Manchester City. The Gunners will host Lille in the Champions League on October 13 before travelling to Nottingham Forest on October 18.

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