Why Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres offers more than just goals

Gyokeres’ signing this summer has given Arsenal a focal point they often lacked last season, particularly during the second half of the campaign, when they were forced to cope without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus because of injuries.

While Havertz can provide an aerial threat in the box, the versatile German is not a pure number nine, a claim that can also be made about Jesus, who has frequently played on the wing since arriving in England.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, is consistently a central spearhead, and has had more touches in the opposition box than any Gunners player in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

That is perhaps to be expected for a striker, but he also leads his team for fouls won and possession regained in the final third, evidence of a player more than willing to do the dirty work.