Viktor Gyokeres has transformed from a slow starter into Arsenal's goal-scoring machine this season, and Mikel Arteta knows exactly why: an insatiable hunger to improve.
The Swedish striker has already netted 21 goals across all competitions, a remarkable turnaround from his underwhelming opening months in North London. His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with two goals in Arsenal's commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham last weekend—a result that stretched the Gunners' lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Gyokeres has now scored nine times in his last 12 Premier League appearances, and he carried that momentum into midweek, delivering another standout performance as Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid to book their place in the Champions League final.
When asked about the 27-year-old's development ahead of this weekend's trip to West Ham, Arteta was quick to highlight the striker's relentless work ethic. "I've noticed it from the beginning," the Arsenal boss said in his pre-match press conference. "Some of the improvements you see now weren't made overnight—they've been built over months of hard work."
"Viktor has been working extremely hard, and the demands he puts on himself are extremely high. He always wants to learn, he's always asking questions, and he's always looking to do extra things. Whether it's in the canteen, the dressing room, or on the pitch, he's constantly trying to build connections with his teammates. When you have that kind of behavior, you get rewards."
With Arsenal just three wins away from their first Premier League title since 2004 and a Champions League final clash against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher. Arteta's message to his squad is clear: "Stay present, live the moment, and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire we've shown all season—or even more. We're closer and closer, and everything we do now will matter in whether we win it or not."
For Gyokeres, a player who embodies that relentless drive, the best may be yet to come.