Mikel Arteta sends clear message to Viktor Gyokeres after five games without scoring

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres to prove his worth despite a stuttering start to his career in north London.

The Sweden forward has failed to find the net in his previous five outings after being thwarted once more during Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League triumph over Olympiacos.

Nevertheless, it was the 27 year old's effort that deflected off the woodwork to set up Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal's opening goal, whilst he was also denied by some resolute defending.

"What I sense is that he's doing better and better things every game," said Arteta. "He was denied a few times with blocks, and then he hit the post, but I think overall his performance was exceptional.

"Again, his work was really good, and yeah, we want him to be scoring goals, but if he doesn't do that, at least to do everything as he's doing for the team, because he's helping the team a lot."

The Gunners welcome struggling West Ham to north London in the Premier League on Saturday, when the floodgates might burst open for Gyokeres.

"I don't know, but hopefully, yes, and hopefully it will be on Saturday," added Arteta. Bukayo Saka emerged from the substitutes' bench to seal another pleasing evening's work in Europe for Arsenal, who now boast six points from their opening two fixtures.

Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi completed the full 90 minutes in his maiden Champions League experience at Emirates Stadium.

"I'm really happy," he told the club website: "The atmosphere was amazing. We scored two and kept a clean sheet.

"It was really demanding. We started really well but at the end they pushed a lot in the second half. I think we suffered in some moments where we shouldn't have.

"We want to keep the momentum and win as many games as possible. We will recover well and prepare for the next game against West Ham."

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