In a thrilling Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres delivered a performance that transcended the stat sheet—drawing high praise from manager Mikel Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya, even without a goal or assist to his name.

Strikers are often judged by their goal tallies, but Gyokeres proved his value goes far beyond numbers. The Swedish forward was instrumental in Arsenal's opening goal, setting up Leandro Trossard's shot that Bukayo Saka turned home. More importantly, he tirelessly battled for every long ball, setting the tone from the first whistle to the last.

"He was immense," Arteta said. "You could see the crowd's reaction every time he touched the ball. His work rate and what he gives the team is incredible. He's the first to set the rhythm and the habits we need without the ball."

Raya echoed those sentiments, telling CBS Sports: "When we needed to play, we played. When we needed to go long, we did. Credit to Viktor—he fights in those situations and wins so many duels. That helped us manage the game."

Gyokeres had already made his mark in the first leg with a penalty goal, and he notched two goals and an assist against Fulham in between. But this goalless display was just as crucial, showcasing the grit and selflessness that define a true team player.

In his debut Premier League season with Arsenal, Gyokeres has netted 21 goals and added three assists across all competitions. Now, with the title within reach, his focus remains on finishing the campaign strong—proving that sometimes, the most impactful performances don't show up on the scoresheet.