Theo Walcott has explained how Viktor Gyokeres has delivered on Mikel Arteta’s earlier predictions about his summer signing.
The Arsenal boss had said after his side’s pre-season friendly against Lille - where Gyokeres scored for his new club - that the Sweden international would “destroy defenders” upon the start of the new season.
However, it has taken the former Coventry City man a while to get going in north London, with several long goal droughts despite his 21 goals in 51 games in all competitions in his debut Premier League campaign.
Gyokeres produced a star showing in the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Atletico Madrid, where Bukayo Saka’s winner before half time secured a 2-1 aggregate win that sent the north Londoners into their first European Cup final in 20 years.
The Swede was a handful for Atleti defenders Robin Le Normand and David Hancko, backing up his goal in the first leg from the penalty spot.
On Amazon Prime afterwards, former Arsenal forward Walcott hailed Gyokeres’ upturn in form and recent performances.
“When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, I remember Mikel Arteta saying he will destroy defences and tonight they really felt that. He loves this,” Walcott said.
“At times this season he has been doing this, but it's not really been playing to his strengths so I'm pleased for him.
“When you come to the Premier League, there are expectations to be a certain way but you need to have time. He's growing in stature.”
Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final later this month at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
