“Gyokeres silences critics and leads Arsenal to glory in the Champions League.”

Viktor Gyokeres is silencing critics and emerging as Arsenal’s secret weapon in the Premier League title race. Since his arrival from Sporting CP last summer, the Swedish forward has faced fierce criticism, but recent performances prove that the £64 million investment is worth every penny.

The pressure has been immense since the very first minute. Gyokeres was quickly labeled as “clumsy” and “cumbersome,” and the nickname “flat-track bully” soon emerged, especially after some mistakes were amplified on social media. Even his early goals against Leeds were met with disdain, with accusations of being “penalty-dependent.” But his response has been overwhelming.

On the decisive night when Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final, Gyokeres did not score at the Emirates, but he delivered a complete performance worthy of a forward of his caliber. In a moment of immense pressure, he converted a penalty with ice-cold nerves at the Metropolitano, ensuring that Arsenal did not fall behind in their clash with Atlético Madrid.

In the championship, the Swedish player’s influence is even clearer. In the comfortable victory against Fulham, he scored two crucial goals: a precise shot after a cross from Bukayo Saka and a spectacular header that surpassed Bernd Leno. With Manchester City dropping points against Everton, Arsenal’s leadership is in the hands of Gyokeres and company.

Paul Merson, former Arsenal icon, did not hold back his praise: “It was the best performance I’ve seen from him. He reminded me of Haaland. I thought the players trusted him much more. I gave him quite a bit of criticism, but if they win the championship, he was a brilliant signing.” Merson emphasizes that Gyokeres was brought in to secure victories against weaker teams and is fulfilling that mission excellently, approaching the 20 goals that were expected of him.

Since the beginning of the year, Gyokeres has surged in form: he has already scored nine goals in the Premier League in the last 12 matches and has a total of 21 in all competitions this season. Although he has not replicated the staggering numbers achieved in Portugal, he is among the top 10 scorers in Europe — ahead of missed targets for Arsenal such as Alexander Isak, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Benjamin Sesko.

In addition, the 21 goals make Gyokeres’ season one of the top ten ever for a debutant in goals in Arsenal’s history, with few achieving such a feat in the modern era of English football.

In the current scenario of a titanic battle for the title, Viktor Gyokeres is not just a forward; he is Arsenal’s talisman, the man who could lead the team to the glory that the fans so desire. If the coming weeks are as promising as the last, Gyokeres’ name will be forever etched in the history of the London club.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.