Gyokeres backed to step up a level

MIKEL ARTETA has backed under-fire Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres to go to another level during the second half of the season.

- By GEORGE SESSIONS

The form of Gyokeres has been a continuous debate since his summer arrival from Sporting Libson, with the Swedish attacker only scoring six times for his new club.

Despite being five games without a goal since the Swede returned from a hamstring injury, the Gunners boss believes there are positive signs of a better understanding being developed between the 28-year-old and his teammates.

Asked if he expected Gyokeres to go to another level in the second half of the season, Arteta said: "I think so. I think the level of attention on him hasn't change since he signed. It's normal.