Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are finally on the “right track” to unlock the full potential of Victor Gokeres.
The Sweden international made a late start to the Premier League leaders after joining the Premier League leaders from Sporting Lisbon last summer, but he has scored eight goals in all competitions since the start of 2026 and has already scored more goals than any Arsenal player last season, with 10 in the league this season.
Arteta hailed the 27-year-old’s form as positive momentum, but suggested there was more to come from Gokeres, who scored twice in Sunday’s north London derby.
“I think one thing leads to another,” Arteta said. “When you score your first goal or perform well, you get to spend more time with your teammates and get to know the game, the opponents and the league better – everything helps.
We know his (Gökeres) qualities. He’s definitely a great striker. We need to improve his quality, we need to understand him better, he needs to understand the team, the league better.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
“We know his quality. He is definitely a great striker. We need to use his quality and we need to understand him better. He needs to understand the team, the league better. I think we are on the right track.”
Asked if Gokeres lacked confidence, Arteta replied: “That’s a question for him. Of course, I know the demands he puts on himself and the expectations he has to help the team, so I’m confident. Because when our defenders have to practice with our players, they often ask, ‘How do you feel[facing him]?'” And (they say), “It’s a nightmare.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The Football Show assesses whether Victor Gokeres’ improved recent form can help lead Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years
“This is a really good way to understand the quality of the player and what it’s like to guard him.”
Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday as they look to extend their advantage at the top of the league. Boosted by a comprehensive win against struggling Spurs, they are five points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth reflects on Mikel Arteta’s press conference before Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Chelsea are winless in their last eight Premier League games against Arsenal, with three draws and five defeats, but Arteta said the statistics “do not change our preparation”.
He added: “It doesn’t matter what we did two weeks ago or two years ago, because every game is different and the circumstances are different. The players may be different, the atmosphere in the team may be different, what is at stake may be different. We are ready.”
Sunday, March 1st 4:25pm
4:30pm kickoff
Arteta is keenly aware that the Premier League title remains tantalizingly close after finishing runners-up for three successive seasons.
“When you finish like this, you just want to be number one. That’s it,” he added. “That’s the goal. Always try to improve and always try to exceed the team’s potential.”
Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea live on Sky Sports Premier League and catch the main event on Sunday at 4pm, kick-off at 4.30pm.
