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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Arsenal are now on "the right trajectory" to fully unleash the potential of striker Viktor Gyokeres, following his impressive run of form.
The Sweden international, who joined the Premier League leaders from Sporting Lisbon last summer, initially endured a slow start but has since found his rhythm, netting eight goals in all competitions since the start of 2026.
Gyokeres’ recent surge includes 10 league goals this season, surpassing the tally of any Arsenal player last term, and notably, a brace in Sunday’s North London derby.
Arteta attributed the 27-year-old’s improved performance to positive momentum, hinting that there is still more to come from the prolific forward.
"I think one thing leads to another," Arteta explained. "When you score the first one or the performances are good, you have more time with your team-mates, you understand the games, the opponent, the league better. Everything helps."
He added: "We know his qualities. He is undoubtedly an incredible striker. We need to feed to his quality, we need to understand him better, he needs to understand the team, the league better, I think we are in the right trajectory."
When questioned about Gyokeres’ confidence, Arteta suggested it was a matter for the player himself, but highlighted the striker’s demanding self-expectations.
He also revealed that Arsenal defenders find training against Gyokeres a "nightmare”, a testament to his quality and difficulty to defend.
Arsenal are now preparing to host Chelsea on Sunday, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The comprehensive victory over struggling Tottenham has left them five points clear of Manchester City, who hold a game in hand.
Despite Chelsea being winless in their last eight Premier League encounters against Arsenal, with three draws and five losses, Arteta insisted this statistic would not alter his side’s preparation.
"What we’ve done two weeks ago or two years ago is irrelevant, because every game and context is different," he stated.
"The players might change, the mood of the teams can be in a different state or what is at stake is different, and we are prepared."
Arteta remains acutely aware of the ultimate prize at stake: a Premier League title, tantalisingly close after three consecutive seasons of finishing as runners-up.
"When you finish like this you only want to be first. That’s it," he concluded. "That’s the aim. Always get better, always try to excel the possibilities of the team."