Viktor Gyökeres has scored 21 goals this season. He deserves more respect

Before Sánchez and Henry, Ian Wright was the last to clear the 20-goal mark in his first season, scoring 26 in 1991-92. Across the club’s entire history, Gyökeres is only the 13th player to do it.

Even someone like Robin van Persie – one of Arsenal’s most prolific scorers in the Premier League era – did not achieve this. The Dutchman scored just nine times in his debut season in 2004-05.

Another common criticism of Gyökeres is that a significant share of his goals have been penalties. Three of his 14 Premier League goals have come from the spot (21.4%). Sure, that’s a higher proportion than Erling Haaland (12.5%), but it’s lower than Igor Thiago (36.4%) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (25%), both of whom are having excellent campaigns in front of goal.

What’s more – and this isn’t to suggest Gyökeres is operating at their level – but Kane (30% of his goals this season from penalties) and Kylian Mbappé (29%) are also deadly from 12 yards. Good finishers score penalties. Being reliable from the spot is also a valuable asset. Gyökeres’ effort against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg last week was his 27th consecutive successfully converted penalty, which shows he has the nerve to deliver in high-pressure moments.

It’s also worth remembering that Gyökeres was not only signed for his ability to find the net, but for the space he creates for those around him. His powerful running behind opposition defences was on full display against Fulham, with sharp movement into the channels complemented by some refined centre-forward play in the build-up to Saka’s goal.

Rightly or wrongly, though, he will be judged on his goals, which have helped earn Arsenal a six-point lead at the summit in the Premier League. How many more he can add across their remaining three games may well decide where the Premier League and Champions League trophies reside come the end of the month.

This is an article by Opta Analyst