After arriving at Arsenal last summer, Viktor Gyökeres needed time to adjust to the rhythm and demands of the Premier League. Now, at the start of 2026, the Swedish striker looks fully settled — and the results are speaking for themselves.

Coming off the bench against Sunderland on Saturday, Gyökeres wasted no time making an impact, scoring twice to seal a 3-0 victory. It was another statement performance from a player who has burst into life in the new calendar year.

Leading the line with growing authority, the 27-year-old has become an increasingly important figure in Mikel Arteta’s system. His resurgence is playing a key role in keeping the Gunners firmly in the title race — but it’s a responsibility he has grown into gradually.

Patience Required After Big-Money Move

Twelve months ago, Gyökeres was one of the most talked-about forwards in European football. His remarkable season at Sporting CP — 39 league goals and eight assists — made him one of the continent’s most prolific attackers.

Arsenal responded by investing £63.5 million to bring him to North London. Expectations were high, and so was Gyökeres’ ambition. However, his start in England proved challenging.

Injuries disrupted his early months, and adapting to a new league, new teammates and a more physically demanding environment took time. It wasn’t until December — and more clearly in January — that the explosive version of Gyökeres began to re-emerge.

“The Difference Is Consistency”

For Arteta, the key to Gyökeres’ improvement has been consistency.

“What really makes the difference is consistency,” the Arsenal manager said after last weekend’s win.

“He shows it every day in training, working to better understand his teammates, his relationships, and demanding the movements and passes he wants.

It’s very hard to read his emotions. He’s not too affected by ups and downs. That’s exactly what we need. He’s very demanding of himself and always looking to improve.”

That steadiness is now translating into numbers.

Clinical and Decisive

Since January 14, Gyökeres has registered six goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions. His movement inside the penalty area has sharpened, his positioning has improved, and his physical presence makes him a constant threat in duels.

Even when he doesn’t start, he delivers. Against Sunderland, he changed the game almost instantly after coming on. Earlier in the season, he scored after just 16 minutes on the pitch against Inter in the Champions League.

Competition for places remains fierce, yet Gyökeres continues to stand out — whether from the first whistle or off the bench.

Ambition Driving Improvement

Despite his strong run of form, the striker remains far from satisfied.

Speaking to The Athletic after the Sunderland victory, Gyökeres was clear about his mindset:

“I’m not a complete player or the best in every area.

You can always do better and improve. I’m happy, but there are still plenty of matches to play. I have to keep going like this. You have to keep believing in yourself.

You can look back at what you’ve done, but you have to do it again and approach matches with the same mindset as when you were scoring, without getting distracted.”

That hunger for improvement could prove crucial in the months ahead.

A Big Second Half Awaits?

Now more settled and playing with confidence, Gyökeres appears ready to shape Arsenal’s season. If he maintains this trajectory, he could be decisive in the title run-in.

The Gunners’ supporters are already beginning to see the striker they hoped for when the club made its major summer investment.

And if his upward curve continues, Gyökeres might not only justify the price tag — he could help deliver the ultimate reward to North London.