Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a notable milestone, just two goals shy of matching Alexandre Lacazette’s debut-season tally for Arsenal back in 2017/18.
Lacazette scored 17 times during his first season in North London, while Gyokeres is already on 15 after his double against Spurs.
The Swede had his best game yet for Arsenal during the North London derby, scoring twice as the Gunners won 4-1 away to Tottenham.
Andrea Berta was a strong advocate for signing Gyokeres last summer. While some of the early performances raised questions, it is hard to argue with the numbers he is putting up now.
Viktor Gyokeres closing in on record for debut season goals by an Arsenal striker
According to Squawka, Gyokeres is nearing a milestone that could put an end to much of the scepticism surrounding his signing.
The Swedish striker is now within touching distance of becoming Arsenal’s most prolific debut striker since 2018.
With plenty of games left in the season, Gyokeres needs just two more goals to match Lacazette’s total from that campaign, and he seems well on track to surpass it.
The Frenchman had a mixed spell at the Emirates, but 17 goals in his first season remains a solid benchmark.
Interestingly, two more goals would also make Gyokeres the top-scoring striker under Mikel Arteta, overtaking Lacazette’s mark from 2020/21.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 15 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, a total matched by Kai Havertz last season, while Gabriel Jesus’ highest tally came in 2022/23, finding the net 11 times.
Gyokeres’ current tally also makes him Arsenal’s leading scorer across all competitions this term, four ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.
Viktor Gyokeres’ commitment to Arsenal is starting to show
Eberechi Eze spoke after the Spurs match, highlighting how Gyokeres’ work ethic has become an inspiration around Arsenal.
The Swede’s finishing in training has been sharp for a while now, and his opening goal against Spurs looked exactly like what he has been showing at London Colney.
The 27-year-old set himself up well before drilling his shot past Guglielmo Vicario, putting Arsenal back in front.
Gyokeres is well-liked inside the club and there is no doubt his teammates are pleased to see him hitting form. With two goals against Spurs under his belt, the focus now shifts to building on that momentum.
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