Viktor Gyokeres reveals what was said in Arsenal team meeting which sparked Tottenham win

Viktor Gyokeres has opened up on the Arsenal meeting which handed them a massive reaction to win North London Derby against Tottenham

Viktor Gyokeres revealed his Arsenal teammates “let it out” in a brutally honest team meeting ahead of their North London Derby win. Following what was understood to be an emotional 72 hours after the 2-2 collapse at Wolverhampton Wanderers the Wednesday before, talks were held inside the club between players.

Declan Rice had revealed the discussions in an interview ahead of the derby. Ironically, the midfielder would make a glaring mistake, costing his side a goal, but he and his teammates rallied to come back, scoring four.

Both Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze scored a brace to down their bitter rivals and reassert their Premier League title ambitions.

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“Most of us spoke,” Gyokeres said when asked who contributed to the conversation. “It is important to sometimes say what you feel. And to let it out in the group.

“Everyone recognises how different people feel in the moment, and you get a better understanding of the feeling. I think when you speak openly in the group like that, you come closer together. It is very important to do that sometimes.”

Mikel Arteta had revealed that his players and coaches had spoken following the 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, which was the first home defeat of the campaign. Arsenal would go on to win their next four matches, including putting seven goals past Leeds United and Sunderland.

Gyokeres admitted when asked whether the talks got heated that this was paramount to ensuring the team moved on to the next chapter better for it. “Yeah, of course,” he replied. “That’s what you have to do. If you’re not honest, it’s hard to improve. That is the most important way to be. Especially in the team. I think it was a good chat.”

The Swede added: “I think it’s always going to be difficult when you get those results, but it’s how you handle it and how you respond to it. Today we showed we did it on a good day.”

Gyokeres has certainly come under plenty of pressure this season after a big-money move in the summer. He hasn’t performed as many hoped, but his two goals here take him above Hugo Ekitike’s tally of 14 by a single goal across all competitions.

He has struck an isolated figure at times, but suggested that this game showed that when you get passes into him around the box, you will see the best of his abilities.

“There were a few good battles,” he said. “I think when I am involved like I was today and get the balls around the box and chances, I think it’s easier then to show my qualities and be able to score goals. I think it was one of them.”

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