Arsenal supporters could not contain their excitement after Viktor Gyokeres finally broke his scoring duck in their latest pre-season friendly.
The Gunners finally secured their man for £64million from Sporting CP last month, following a drawn-out transfer saga that saw them fight off interest from Manchester United.
Gyokeres scored 54 club goals last term across all competitions, and is rated as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
Arsenal’s new No 14 was unveiled before their 3-2 victory against Newcastle in Singapore. Since then, he has made two appearances – in defeats by Tottenham and Villarreal – but has blanked on both occasions.
Finally, on Saturday afternoon, the Sweden international marked his arrival in north London by scoring the opener in their final summer friendly against Athletic Club.
Gyokeres’ precious moment came just after the half-hour mark, when he powered home a superb header from a pinpoint Martin Zubimendi cross.
Viktor Gyokeres sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy online after scoring his first pre-season goal
The Swede powered home a superb header from Martin Zubimendi’s cross to make it 1-0
Gyokeres earned a standing ovation from the home crowd when he came off on 70 minutes
Supporters could not help but get excited over what may come next from their new striker
The goal sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy on social media, with many already dreaming about what else may come from their new frontman.
One fan wrote on X: ‘Ladies and gentlemen Gyokeres has arrived,’ while another said: ‘Gyokeres has arrived what a header.’
A third commented: ‘The type of Goal we have been missing for so long too! Great pass, perfect finish! More of this…’
A fourth hailed: ‘Gyokeres first goal in the books and a beauty header,’ while another wrote: ‘Zubimendi and Gyokeres. A new partnership has been established.’
Just two minutes after Gyokeres’ opener, Bukayo Saka doubled the hosts’ lead and made it 2-0 on 37 minutes.
When Gyokeres was withdrawn and replaced by Kai Havertz in the 70th minute, he was met with a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd.
Havertz added to Arsenal’s lead, making it 3-0 shortly after entering the field.
Saturday’s clash was the last of Arsenal’s summer preparations before they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in their Premier League opener.
