Viktor Gyokeres (foto: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres silences critics with a double against Fulham, surpassing 20 goals in his debut Arsenal season, while Bukayo Saka reaches 200 Premier League starts.
Viktor Gyokeres delivered a statement performance for Arsenal, scoring twice against Fulham and reaching a major milestone in his debut season.
The Swedish forward, who arrived in the summer in a deal worth up to £63.5 million, has faced scrutiny despite his strong reputation from his time at Sporting, where he scored 39 goals and added six assists in 33 matches.
From criticism to consistency
After a mixed start, Gyokeres has found his rhythm. His two goals against Fulham took him to 14 league goals, with five in the Champions League and one in the EFL Cup.
That brings his total to 21 goals in all competitions this season.
With that tally, Gyokeres becomes only the second Arsenal player this century to score more than 20 goals in his debut season.
The only other player to achieve this was Alexis Sanchez, who scored 25 goals in the 2014/15 campaign after joining from Barcelona.
The most recent Arsenal player to hit 20 goals in a single season was Bukayo Saka, who reached that number in the 2023/24 campaign.
Saka reaches historic appearance milestone
Saka also made headlines against Fulham. The 24-year-old scored and assisted, taking his total to 12 goal contributions this season.
Before kickoff, he had already reached a major landmark. At 24 years and 239 days, Saka became the fourth-youngest player to start 200 Premier League matches.
He sits behind Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, and record holder Gareth Barry, who reached the milestone at 24 years and 38 days.
For Arsenal, the signs are clear. Gyokeres is delivering at the highest level, while Saka continues to build a career defined by consistency and impact.