Viktor Gyökeres finally silenced the doubters, scoring his first goal for Arsenal in an emphatic 3–0 win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup, a fitting conclusion to the Gunners’ pre-season campaign.
The Swedish striker’s maiden goal came in his second start for the club, easing the pressure that had mounted following a quiet debut against Villarreal earlier in the week.
Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in a high-profile transfer worth up to €73 million including add-ons, rose to meet a pinpoint delivery from fellow summer recruit Martín Zubimendi—another marquee signing—and powered a header past Athletic’s goalkeeper Unai Simón in the 34th minute.
The Emirates Stadium erupted into applause as Gyökeres pulled off his signature mask celebration, now immortalized in Arsenal’s colors.
The goal proved a catalyst. Arsenal quickly doubled their lead two minutes later when Bukayo Saka tapped in from close range following a smart assist from Gabriel Martinelli.
Substitute Kai Havertz sealed the win later in the match with a composed finish of his own and earned plaudits as Arsenal closed out their pre-season on a high note.
The performance offered a welcome turnaround from earlier in the week. Gyökeres struggled to make an impact in a narrow 3–2 loss to Villarreal, registering only 14 touches before being substituted.
That outing, which drew criticism over sharpness and rhythm, had put additional pressure on the Swedish hitman to prove his worth in the Premier League.
Yet today, Gyökeres displayed confidence and presence in the box, even hitting the post with another header after the break. Sports Illustrated’s reporter Max Mallow rated him highly—an 8.2 out of 10—highlighting his composure and aerial threat, especially considering many of his previous goals at Sporting CP came from varied circumstances.
Manager Mikel Arteta offered praise after full-time: “The first goal is always very important, and the way he took it was really, really good,” he noted, pointing to the growing chemistry between the new arrivals. “We are developing certain connections with the new players. It was very good.” Arteta also lauded Kai Havertz’s contribution, describing his goal as “top.”
Gyökeres’s backstory adds a deeper layer to this moment. The striker endured a winding path through European football, featuring with Coventry City after spells at Brighton, and rising to prominence at Sporting CP—where he scored an outstanding 97 goals in 102 appearances, earning him a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.
Despite his scoring prowess, critics questioned whether that form would translate to England’s Premier League, with concerns over his aerial ability—only five of those Sporting goals were headers.
Nonetheless, Gyökeres embraced the challenge, even sacrificing part of his salary and his agent waiving fees to help push through the move, a decision illustrating his hunger for this opportunity. He also stepped into the iconic number 14 jersey, once worn by Arsenal’s legendary Thierry Henry, insisting he did not want to be compared to the club icon.
After the Villarreal disappointment, Arteta remained optimistic, stating Gyökeres “will be 100% or more ready” for the league opener.