Arsenal Face a Stern Test Against Sporting CP and Red-Hot Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has issued a clear warning to his teammates ahead of their Champions League clash against Sporting CP. The Gunners will face a daunting challenge in Lisbon, with Sporting’s star forward Viktor Gyökeres in the form of his life. Gyökeres has been nothing short of sensational this season, scoring an eye-popping 24 goals in just 17 games. His performances have caught the attention of several Premier League giants, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal themselves.
Sporting CP will host Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday, and Raya knows the Gunners will need to be at their defensive best to contain the Swedish striker. Speaking about Gyökeres, Raya said, “We know his strengths, how he runs a lot in behind and scores a lot in one v. one, and he is a top player in form. We are going to try and keep him very, very quiet. Don’t give him any chances. We have to step up defensively. Hopefully, we can do a great job and keep a clean sheet.”
Arteta Focuses on the Bigger Picture
While Raya singled out Gyökeres as a key threat, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta chose to focus on Sporting CP’s collective strength. Sporting are currently on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run this season, which includes 17 victories. Arteta was full of praise for the Portuguese side, saying, “I would like to talk about the team, about the coaches, and how phenomenal they have been. The run they are in is incredible. That tells you that it is not only the quality, the setup, the ambition, it is something about the team energy that they have. That is a great challenge that we have tomorrow, to come here and make a statement and show we are capable against this kind of opponent. Be ourselves and win the game.”
When pressed specifically about Gyökeres, Arteta remained diplomatic, stating, “I understand the question, but they have a lot of individual qualities. That’s why they can win games in various ways. And yes, in the specific position, they have great players.”
Gyökeres: A Goal Machine
Gyökeres has been a revelation since joining Sporting CP from Coventry in 2022. The Swedish international has scored an astonishing 69 goals in 67 games across all competitions for the club. His most recent Champions League performance was a hat trick in Sporting’s 4-1 demolition of Manchester City, a game that also marked Ruben Amorim’s final match as Sporting manager before taking over at Manchester United.
Arsenal’s task is made even more challenging by their own struggles in Europe. The Gunners have won just one of their last eight away games in European competitions and have failed to score in their last four. Their most recent away goal in Europe came in a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven last December, a game in which Arsenal had already secured their spot in the knockout rounds.
Arteta Calls for Ruthlessness
Arteta acknowledged Arsenal’s shortcomings in Europe and emphasized the need for improvement. “Not all the games have been the same. It’s true that within those games there were games that were when we had already qualified,” he said. “Something that is very true is that we have to improve those results and we have to find ways to understand what has been missing. Sometimes it’s been performance, sometimes it’s been other aspects. That’s the next step we have to make as a team.”
He also highlighted the importance of efficiency in the Champions League, saying, “I wouldn’t say that this is the most important thing, but the efficiency that we have shown inside the box at this level with the chances that we are normally able to generate in the Champions League level, is not at the level required to win consistently. I always say the Champions League is about boxes, small margins, and details. You have to get all of those right to win, especially away from home.”
The Stakes Are High
Sporting CP currently sit second in their Champions League group, two points behind leaders Liverpool. Arsenal, on the other hand, are languishing in 12th place with just seven points from four matches. A win in Lisbon is crucial for the Gunners to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Key Takeaways
- Viktor Gyökeres has scored 24 goals in 17 games this season and 69 goals in 67 games since joining Sporting CP.
- Sporting CP are on a 19-game unbeaten run, including 17 wins.
- Arsenal have won just one of their last eight away games in Europe and have not scored in their last four.
- Sporting are second in their group, while Arsenal are 12th with seven points.
Tuesday’s clash promises to be a fascinating encounter. Can Arsenal rise to the occasion and silence their critics, or will Gyökeres and Sporting CP continue their remarkable run? All eyes will be on Lisbon as the Gunners look to make a statement.
Originally Written by: James Olley
