'We Need Decisive Players': Arteta Challenges Gyokeres Following Nottingham Forest Draw
Mikel Arteta has publicly urged Viktor Gyokeres to raise his level after the striker failed to score once again in Arsenal’s Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest. The Gunners were frustrated in a 0-0 result on Saturday, with Gyokeres extending his recent run without a league goal.
Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest and urges Viktor Gyokeres to raise his impact in the final third.
Since completing his high-profile summer move, Gyokeres has found the net only five times in the Premier League. Arteta believes his forward — and the team as a whole — must show greater ruthlessness to convert dominance into victories.
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Arsenal controlled large portions of the contest at the City Ground and attempted 15 shots, yet were unable to break down Forest’s defence. The dropped points denied them the chance to open a nine-point gap at the top of the table.
Reflecting on the outcome, Arteta acknowledged disappointment but tried to strike a balanced tone. “Every week is an opportunity. We want to win every game and if we would have done that, we would have been in a different position,” he said. “But we made a step, a smaller one than the one we wanted, but it’s a step.”
The Arsenal boss was more direct when discussing Gyokeres’ attacking output. He stressed the importance of players delivering in crucial moments. “We want the players to be decisive at this level because we need them to score goals and create moments where we can unlock the door,” Arteta told reporters, adding that failing to do so is a shared responsibility.
Gyokeres has now scored only once in his last 10 Premier League appearances, but Arteta insisted the blame does not rest solely with him. He highlighted multiple missed chances, including an open goal opportunity for Gabriel Martinelli, a tap-in for Declan Rice, headers from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, and a strong penalty appeal that went unanswered.
Arteta also praised Nottingham Forest’s organisation, noting their ability to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. “Credit to them,” he said, while reiterating his frustration that Arsenal failed to win despite not allowing a single shot on target.
The striker’s struggles are particularly notable given his outstanding record prior to joining Arsenal. Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting before arriving in a £64m (€74m/$86m) deal. Jamie Redknapp offered insight into the situation, suggesting Arsenal’s attacking structure differs significantly from Sporting’s.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp explained that Sporting’s wing-back system delivered frequent crosses, suiting Gyokeres’ movement across the near post. At Arsenal, however, wide players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli often cut inside, reducing early service into the penalty area.
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to the Champions League, with an away tie against Inter at the San Siro. Gyokeres has scored twice in four European appearances this season, both goals coming in a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in October. The Gunners will then return to league action with a home clash against Manchester United.
