‘Hungry’ Victor Goqueres says he is ready to answer manager Mikel Arteta’s call to bring his goalscoring momentum to the Premier League. Gokeres ended a seven-game goal drought with two quick-fire goals as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League.
Goqueres joined from Sporting Lisbon for £58 million and has scored 97 goals in 102 games, taking his tally to five for his new club.
After the strong win, Arteta said he challenged Gokeres to keep defending his goals as the North Londoners return to action in the domestic game against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.
And the 27-year-old Gokeres said: “I’m hungrier now. I always want to contribute with my work rate and other things, but it’s a bit special when you also score a goal. So that’s something I always want to do.”
“Our group and our spirit is something different and very special.
“Winning games and performing like this builds confidence in the team. Belief must always be present, but of course this helps boost confidence. We want to keep going like this.”
Arsenal have won all three games in Europe without conceding a goal.
Remarkably, Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in their first 12 games (away to Liverpool and Newcastle, and at home to Manchester City, with only one goal coming in an exhibition match).
Goalie David Raya, who has a five-game shutout streak, said, “I think a clean sheet record is the same as a goal.
“If we can keep clean sheets it will be easier to win games. It’s really, really important for the whole team not to give too many chances and to be very solid.”
“The depth of the team is incredible. We have a lot of players who can play in two, three or even four positions.
“(Mikel) Merino played as a striker (against Atlético), but he can also play as a number six, eight or 10. That’s the versatility the manager has and he uses that to our advantage.”
“It brings an extra level to training and games because if you’re not at that level you can lose your position and everyone agrees to that.”
Arsenal go into this weekend’s league match with three points against second-placed Manchester City. Defending champions Liverpool lead by one more point.
