Viktor Gyökeres: From Coventry Breakout to Arsenal’s ‘Win Now’ Striker
When Arsenal looked for their next big forward, many saw Benjamin Šeško as the long-term prototype Mikel Arteta admired. But in Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners secured a proven, ready-made option — a striker capable of delivering goals immediately while pushing Arteta’s system forward.
A Journey Through Setbacks and Breakthroughs
Gyökeres’ career wasn’t always smooth. The Swedish striker arrived at Brighton in 2018 but struggled for opportunities. Loan spells at St. Pauli in Germany and Coventry City showed flashes but failed to truly ignite.
Everything changed in 2021 when Coventry signed him permanently. Gyökeres later admitted:
“When I was on loan, I never really showed what I could do. But once I signed, it felt different straight away. From that day, I started proving myself on the pitch.”
In two Championship seasons, he struck 17 and then 21 goals, establishing himself as one of England’s most lethal finishers outside the Premier League.
The Sporting CP Explosion
His move to Sporting Lisbon turned him into a continental star. With his trademark “mask” celebration becoming a signature, Gyökeres developed into a complete striker — powerful, clinical, and relentless.
He never chased fame, though. As he once explained:
“I felt like nobody knew who I was. But that’s not what I’m chasing. I just want to perform, help my team, and most of all, score goals.”
Arsenal’s New Frontman
Now at Arsenal, Gyökeres has already found the net against Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. But he has yet to score against Premier League giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City — the true test for a striker in North London.
He admits consistency remains a work in progress:
“Some games I haven’t performed how I wanted, depending on how the game went. But I’ve managed to score, and we’ve won most of the matches. It’s been a good start — but it can always be better.”
What Comes Next
For Arsenal, Gyökeres is more than just another striker. He represents the balance between instant impact and long-term ambition. If he continues adapting to Arteta’s system and delivering in big moments, the Swede could be the missing piece that finally pushes Arsenal to silverware in May.