What Viktor Gyokeres said which will delight Arsenal fans as Mikel Merino proven right

Viktor Gyokeres has taken his Arsenal career to a new height after his brace against Atletico Madrid. The Swedish striker had been on a lengthy goal drought, out of character for a player of his consistency over the past two seasons.

However, to step up in the moment and on the biggest of stages will come as both a relief and as encouragement for the short and long term future. His fifth goal of the season in 12 games for the Gunners stands as better reading certainly.

Speaking to the club’s official website after the game, Gyokeres explained his hunger to get more goals. A message that will unquestionably delight supporters and give optimism that there is more to come.

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“It’s always amazing to score goals and to do it here in this competition, it's a great feeling,” he said. “I'm more hungry now. You always want to contribute with work rate and other stuff, but when you score goals as well, it's a bit special. So that's something I always want to do.

“[The support] means a lot, they're amazing. I think the group we have, and the spirit is something different and something very special. It feels great. We did a lot of things right today, and the performance was amazing.”

Gyokeres was pushed toward the fans by his teammates to celebrate with them and soak in more of the moment. Mikel Merino told reporters on Monday that he saw, as did the team, every day in training just exactly what he is doing and that it would only be a matter of time until the goals came - it would be fair to say he was right.

“Well, to be honest, I don’t think it is taking a lot for him to adapt,” he said. “I think he is really good.

“He is giving us many, many options on and off the ball. The work rate he puts in during every single game, you have to see the data, it is unbelievable how much he helps the team on and off the ball.

“Sometimes it is unfair for the strikers, because if you don’t score it seems like you are not doing anything. But he is providing a lot for us and I am sure goals will come.

“I am sure that he wants to score as much as everyone else, but the main thing is to help the team win. We are a team, we are a collective, so I am pretty sure that he is also happy that he is providing the best performances on and off the ball for his team-mates.”

There is now the chance to score again this weekend when the Gunners host Crystal Palace in the Premier League. With Manchester City and Liverpool both playing away from home, there is potential for further encouragement when it comes to the title race and Gyokeres is certain to be a big part of that.