Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta backs Viktor Gyokeres despite the striker’s seven-game scoreless streak.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come to the defense of Viktor Gyokeres, who has failed to score in seven straight games for the Gunners.

Gyokeres’ last goal was against Nottingham Forest on September 13, and he has since gone nine games without a goal or assist for club and country.

Arteta praised Gyokeres’ work rate and contributions to the team, saying, “The work rate he puts in for the team is phenomenal, so we try to give him support and love and it will come.” The Arsenal boss also highlighted Gyokeres’ importance to the team, saying he creates environment and space for his teammates.

“He adds so many things, that probably are not noticeable,” Arteta said. “He creates environment and space and solutions to a lot of the players around him. And with the talent that we have in the team, I’m sure that everybody, him included, will benefit from that.”

Gyokeres’ poor form has led to reports that he could be dropped for Kai Havertz, who is closing in on a return to fitness.

Some pundits, including Gary Neville and Troy Deeney, have suggested that Gyokeres may be more suited against smaller teams, while Havertz is more suited to play against bigger sides.

Arteta, however, is standing by Gyokeres, saying that every player goes through tough times. “He has not been a top striker in all of his career. His journey had bumps in the road. And when you go to a level, you’re going to have this, it doesn’t go like this (motions a constant upward curve).”

Gyokeres was a key player for Sporting Lisbon, scoring 54 goals in 52 games last season, and his transfer to Arsenal was seen as a major coup. While he has struggled to replicate that form at Arsenal, Arteta is confident that he will bounce back.