The £63.5m summer signing from Sporting CP had drawn a blank in his first start against Villarreal earlier in the week, but he opened his account in style on his second appearance in front of the home fans.
Teed up by fellow new arrival Martin Zubimendi, Gyökeres powered home a trademark header past Unai Simón before celebrating in familiar fashion to the delight of the Emirates crowd.
Gyokeres heads home his first Arsenal’s goal
Just two minutes later, the Sweden international was involved again, cushioning the ball into Declan Rice’s path during a swift move that ended with Bukayo Saka tapping into an empty net after Gabriel Martinelli had rounded the goalkeeper.
After the break, Gyökeres continued to impress with his link-up play, releasing Saka with a deft touch and making runs into the channels that showcased his growing understanding with his new teammates.
Gyokeres almost got a second goal but was denied by the woodwork
He came close to doubling his tally when he met Noni Madueke’s cross with a diving header, only for Simón to push the effort onto the post.
The striker was replaced by Kai Havertz on 70 minutes, and the German sealed the victory with a solo effort, racing from the halfway line before slotting a low shot beyond Simón.
Arteta Praises Gyökeres and Havertz
Speaking after the match, Arteta hailed his new striker’s instinctive qualities:
“Everything he does is on instinct. That’s why he’s scored so many in the last few seasons. He pins both centre-backs, and the moment you give him space one-on-one, he’ll destroy you. That first goal is always very important, and the way he took it was really good.”
The Arsenal boss also praised Havertz’s impact and admitted he now faces a selection dilemma ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford:
“It’s great to see both of them scoring. It’s a good problem to have.”
Zubimendi Shines in Midfield
While Gyökeres took the headlines, Zubimendi’s performance in midfield caught the eye. The Spain international, signed from Real Sociedad earlier this summer, provided the assist for the opener and impressed with his defensive positioning, tackling, and ability to dictate play.
His partnership with Rice and captain Martin Ødegaard — deployed together for the first time — gave Arsenal added tactical flexibility, with the trio frequently interchanging roles.
Arteta said:
“Especially with the qualities they have and the way they complement each other. It’s another evolution for us, making the team more unpredictable and more of a threat.”
Zubimendi and Declan Rice interchanged positions in Arsenal’s midfield
With the new season just days away, Arsenal’s pre-season ends on a high — and with two big summer signings already making their mark.
