{"id":21903,"date":"2026-01-29T04:14:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:14:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/victor-goqueres-outperforms-his-arsenal-team-mate-as-mikel-arteta-proves-his-level\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T04:14:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:14:31","slug":"victor-goqueres-outperforms-his-arsenal-team-mate-as-mikel-arteta-proves-his-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/victor-goqueres-outperforms-his-arsenal-team-mate-as-mikel-arteta-proves-his-level\/","title":{"rendered":"Victor Goqueres outperforms his Arsenal team-mate as Mikel Arteta proves his level"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\n
Arsenal 3-2 Khairat: Viktor Gokeres scored but showed his limits in brutal fashion on a night when the Gunners squandered a number of chances against Kazakhstan.<\/h2>\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Victor Gokeres’ waste in front of goal (Image: Stuart MacFarlane\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Arsenal have won eight consecutive Champions League games thanks to the story of two strikers.<\/p>\n
The Gunners finished top of the table with a 100 per cent record in the league. And they won easily against the no-hopers of Kazakhstan, with the returning Kai Havertz purring in his first start in 357 days and Victor Gokeres perhaps finding his level.<\/p>\n
Havertz looked in a league of his own with his smooth control, passing and brilliant finishing, but his return could be a much-needed and timely boost to Arsenal’s title chances. The difference in quality between Havertz and the grumpy, underachieving G\u00f6keres was stark, with the Swedish striker repeatedly missing chances even against second-rate opponents.<\/p>\n
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.<\/p>\n
read more: Arsenal reveal four candidates to advance to last 16 after finishing top of Champions League<\/span><\/span>read more: Man City match canceled as protesters storm Etihad pitch during game against Galatasaray<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
It may seem disingenuous that Gokeres had a goal and an assist, but that was only because he put a shot into the path of Gabriel Martinelli from three yards out. But Gokeres, who Arsenal signed for \u00a364m in the summer, is simply not good enough for a side aiming to win the title and win the Champions League.<\/p>\n
G\u00f6keres even missed one sitter from three yards out, and the ball went wide from the throw-in. Incredibly, he has reached 10 goals, but even for just 45 minutes, Havertz showed Arsenal fans what they were missing.<\/p>\n
Havertz went crazy at half-time, but Arsenal fans will no doubt be hoping that is an indication he will be saved for Saturday’s trip to Leeds, which feels like a hugely important game of the season.<\/p>\n
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta changed his entire starting line-up from Sunday’s defeat against Manchester United, which underlines how strong they are deep down and just how bad Khairat is.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Kai Havertz makes a triumphant return to Arsenal (Image: David Price\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Arsenal made them work. Havertz played a great through ball to G\u00f6keres, who in all fairness had most of the control of the ball and sent life home from 20 yards within two minutes.<\/p>\n
However, Kairat equalized seven minutes later. Riccardo Calafioli, back in form, brought back Kairat’s Portuguese striker Jorginho. Swiss referee Urs Schneider awarded the penalty after a VAR check, with Jorginho making the official decision.<\/p>\n
Havertz, who had been struggling with hamstring and knee injuries, scored the goal. He cut into the box, showed great control and fired a sweet left-footed shot into the top corner.<\/p>\n
G\u00f6keres missed two clear chances before meeting Havertz’s low cross, but it still took Martinelli time to push the ball over the line in the 36th minute. The remainder of the match was a battle between the ages as he replaced 17-year-old Brando Bailey-Joseph, who was making his senior debut.<\/p>\n
Arsenal wasted more chances before Kairat substitute Ricardinho sealed the win in stoppage time.<\/p>\n
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts<\/p>\n
\n
This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a349<\/p>\n
\u00a335<\/p>\n
sky<\/p>\n
Get the deal here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36633139.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2258725822.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36633148.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2258722702.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n