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In the event that Viktor Gyökeres goes on to become the attacker that each Arsenal supporters have been hoping for, then maybe they will recall this night as the moment his fortune changed. As the old striker’s mantra goes, it isn’t important how they go in.

After a run of nine matches for his team and national side without a goal and expectations rising on the man acquired for a hefty fee in the offseason, a tremendous feeling of ease swept over the Emirates Stadium when Gyökeres guided in from close range via a glance off David Hancko during a electrifying second half when Mikel Arteta’s side proved yet again that they are serious contenders this season.

Remarkable Shift in Form

Shortly after and to the excitement of the local supporters, his mask celebration borrowed from the character Bane in Batman, whose catchphrase is “attention came only with the disguise,” was showcased again after forcing home from Gabriel Magalhães’s header following a Declan Rice corner to finish the demolition against Atlético Madrid. From the technical area, Arteta punched the air and gestured animatedly in the direction of his new centre forward, of whom he has spent the previous 14 days insisting the finest displays lay ahead.

“That’s the game, and we must not assume a player to change contexts and have him perform identically right away,” the Arsenal manager stated in a discussion with the Spanish newspaper Marca ahead of the fixture. “Circumstances vary greatly. Every footballer globally need one thing: their mental condition to be at its optimum. I informed Viktor in our introductory chat that the center forward I wanted for Arsenal was someone who could hold up mentally when they experienced a dry spell without scoring. Failing that, you’re not suited at this tier. That’s why I have a great belief in him.”

Formative Hurdles

It was as a 14-year-old playing for IFK Aspudden-Tellus, who are based in Stockholm’s southside districts, that Gyökeres first realised he would have to develop a thick skin to make it in his vocation. Admonished after a subpar outing by a coach who said he lacked the mindset to excel in elite soccer, he was eventually transformed from a winger into a striker after moving to Brommapojkarna two years later. “That comment resonated and I think about it often,” he said recently.

Challenging Spell

Goal-shy since the win over Nottingham Forest at home back on 13 September, this has been one of the most testing periods of his professional life. Gyökeres was heavily criticised after Sweden were defeated by Kosovo and Switzerland in World Cup qualifiers in the previous 14 days, with one newspaper labeling his display against the latter as “invisible.”

He managed an incredible 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions for Sporting last season, so the issue is clearly not his goal conversion. As Arteta has frequently pointed out, his overall contribution has added a new layer in offense, even if the opportunities have not been in his favor.

Match Highlights

This was plainly visible during the first half of this top-level clash between two teams that had initially seemed evenly matched. There was a sense that Gyökeres was overexerting himself to stand out as he charged around like a bull in a china shop during the opening minutes. An Eberechi Eze shot that glanced on to the bar inside the first few moments was originated from some quick moves on the edge of the Atlético area that cleverly escaped from his defender, José María Giménez.

The defender has the air of a man who could provoke conflict anywhere but is highly seasoned at this stage compared with Gyökeres, who is participating in just his second Champions League campaign after bagging a triple for Sporting against Manchester City last season that probably significantly contributed to persuading Arteta to take the plunge.

Relentless Effort

However having attracted criticism that he was out of shape after being absent for preparations in Portugal, Arsenal’s much more svelte-looking striker pursued each opportunity as if his career hung in the balance. Giménez was fooled into conceding a yellow card when Gyökeres made contact on the edge of the Atlético area having merely stood his ground. Gabriel Martinelli saw his attempt canceled for offside after tapping in Bukayo Saka’s cross and it wasn’t until after the break that the Swede had his initial opportunity.

A exquisite touch from Martinelli created an ideal chance, only for Jan Oblak to swiftly block an unconvincing toe-poke towards goal. Then it must have felt like the breakthrough would elude him. But the floodgates opened when Gabriel scored with a header Rice’s free-kick and Gyökeres was able to take full advantage as the forward with the disguise made his mark. “Ideally this is the beginning of a great run,” said a delighted Arteta.