Arsenal: Mikel Arteta makes Viktor Gyokeres admission after slow start

The summer signing has struggled against the better teams in the Premier League

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta “loved” the performance of Viktor Gyokeres at Newcastle - but believes the best is yet to come from the striker.

Gyokeres has made a steady start to life at Arsenal since joining them from Sporting in the summer, scoring three goals in eight games.

The Swede drew a blank on Sunday at St. James’ Park, failing to find the net against Newcastle’s physical defence.

Arteta, however, has explained how much he enjoyed the performance and the way that Gyokeres acquitted himself in difficult circumstances.

“I loved it,” he said. “I absolutely loved how he took it. He went on board, not a single moment when he’s showing frustration.

“I told him you’re going to get some decisions, some others not. Stand up, you’re going to have two or three players around you in many moments, the ball is in the air and a lot is going to happen.

“But I loved his reaction, I loved the way he handled the situation emotionally and as well because he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments that he created. He was very much involved in them.

“It’s a pity that he didn’t score a goal at the end because in my opinion he fully deserved it.”

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Gyokeres has featured in every game for Arsenal , starting all but one of their matches in the absence of Kai Havertz.

A knee injury picked up by Havertz in August has forced the German to be on the sidelines and he is not due back until later this year.

Gyokeres has had to play more minutes as a result, but Arteta has been impressed with the way that he has dealt with the pressure.

“In a really natural and organic way I would say,” he said. “He’s a really confident boy, his work ethic is incredible - the demands that he puts on himself every single day.

“It’s a joy to work with him, he gives so much to the team and the ceiling is very, very with what he can still give to the team. So, I am very happy with him.”