Mikel Arteta says what he did to Viktor Gyokeres immediately after he failed to score for Arsenal vs West Ham

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Viktor Gyokeres was a key part of Arsenal’s welcome win against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side earned three vital points against West Ham to round off a very productive week or so for the club.

In recent years, Arsenal have struggled against Newcastle United, Olympiacos and West Ham – all three have prevailed as ‘bogey’ clubs for Arteta.

However, the latest edition of this Arsenal team were able to beat all three, even with some key players on the sidelines.

Martin Odegaard made unfortunate history in Arsenal’s win over West Ham on Saturday, the Norwegian became the first player to be subbed before half-time during three Premier League matches in a row.

But without Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres and co still found a way to win.

Mikel Arteta gives his verdict on Viktor Gyokeres’ efforts against West Ham

That being said, Arteta commented on Gyokeres’ performance after the game when speaking to BBC Sport.

Arteta also commented on Odegaard’s injury, one the club will hope he recovers from over the upcoming international break.

But in terms of Gyokeres, Arteta was delighted with the Swede’s work, even if he wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Speaking via journalist Harry Symeou who posted the words on X, Arteta confessed that he simply went to Gyokeres and gave him a warm embrace once the 90 minutes were up.

Arteta said: “I just went there and hugged him and said thank you because the work that he does is unbelievable for the team.

“The way he stretches the back four and the spaces he opens. I mean today how he hasn’t scored a goal, I don’t know.”

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Bukayo Saka takes Arsenal’s penalty ahead of Viktor Gyokeres

Of course, one of the key events during Arsenal’s win against West Ham was the penalty that Bukayo Saka tucked away to make the game 2-0.

And in terms of optics from the match, many will now feel as if Saka was excellent, whereas Gyokeres was anonymous.

Had Gyokeres taken the penalty, perhaps fans would be saying the same, but the other way round.

Earlier in the summer it was reported that Gyokeres would be Arsenal’s new penalty taker.

However, much like it was between Saka and Odegaard last term, it looks as if the pleasure of taking spot-kicks will be shared around the squad.

In short, Gyokeres will have to continue to be unselfish for Arsenal, as he’s often been with the rest of his performances.

The Swede is doing a lot of unseen work for the Gunners right now, but at least Arteta is noticing.