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Gyokeres’ Form Puts Arsenal on the Front Foot for Champions League Decider With Atletico

A 21-goal surge plus flawless penalties give Mikel Arteta a steady finisher for a season-shaping test.

Overview

  • Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates with the tie level at 1-1 after first-leg penalties from Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez.
  • Gyokeres hit a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham, taking him to 21 goals in all competitions and becoming the club’s first 20-plus scorer since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
  • The Sweden striker has converted 27 penalties in a row, a streak that could matter if the match requires a shootout and that he says comes from keeping a clear mind.
  • Bukayo Saka’s return from an Achilles issue sharpened Arsenal’s right flank, with the pair linking for goals against Fulham as tweaks to create space for Gyokeres’ runs behind took hold.
  • Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’ timing and movement in Madrid and against Fulham, saying the recent goals lift the striker’s confidence and energize the team.