Viktor Gyokeres produced the kind of performance that shifts narratives and reshapes title races. In Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on February 22, 2026, the Swedish striker delivered a brace that did more than secure three points.
It reignited belief in his consistency, strengthened Arsenal’s grip at the top of the Premier League table, and placed Gyokeres’ form firmly at the centre of the title conversation.
The North London derby always magnifies individual displays. Every touch is scrutinised, every finish carries extra weight, and every mistake lingers longer. Gyokeres understood the stakes. After a first half where Arsenal established control but had yet to fully kill the contest, he stepped forward immediately after the break.
Just two minutes into the second half, he received possession outside the box and bent a precise curling effort into the far corner. It was a finish that combined composure with conviction, the kind that top strikers deliver when confidence meets opportunity.
That goal shifted momentum decisively. Tottenham were forced to chase the game, spaces opened, and Arsenal’s attacking structure began to flow more freely. Gyokeres was no longer just occupying defenders. He was dictating their movement, dragging centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and creating gaps for teammates. His presence felt authoritative.
Deep into stoppage time, with Tottenham pushing numbers forward, Gyokeres struck again. Holding off his marker, he showed strength and calmness to apply a controlled finish that sealed the derby. The second goal reflected a different dimension of the level showed in this Gyokeres’ form.
Where the first was technical and expressive, the second was ruthless and clinical. Together, they painted the picture of a forward finding rhythm at exactly the right moment in the season.
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Gyokeres’ Form: Why This Matters for the Premier League Title Race
Context matters. In the days leading into the derby, Gyokeres had endured a quieter outing against Wolves. His involvement was limited, touches were sparse in dangerous areas, and he failed to register on the scoresheet. Questions around consistency lingered. Could he dominate regularly in England’s top flight? Could he deliver in high-pressure matches?
Against Tottenham, he answered both emphatically.
The brace pushed him into double figures in the Premier League this season and reinforced Arsenal’s five-point advantage at the summit. In a campaign where margins are thin and pressure is relentless, having a striker rediscover sharpness can tilt the balance.
Gyokeres’ form now carries weight not just statistically but psychologically. Opponents must account for him differently. Defenders cannot afford lapses. Midfielders gain confidence knowing that chances will likely be converted.
There was also a noticeable sharpness to his overall play. His movement between the lines appeared more decisive. Instead of drifting aimlessly, he timed his runs with greater precision.
When Arsenal built through wide areas, he attacked near-post spaces aggressively. When play slowed centrally, he offered himself as a link, laying balls off and immediately spinning into space. These are subtle improvements, yet they suggest growth within Mikel Arteta’s system.
Confidence in football is rarely abstract. It reveals itself in quicker decision-making, cleaner striking technique, and bolder movement. The derby showcased all three. Gyokeres looked assured in front of goal and composed under pressure. Rather than snatching at opportunities, he trusted his instincts.
The importance of the Gyokeres’ form extends beyond individual recognition. Arsenal’s attacking patterns rely heavily on synergy between wide creators and a central focal point. When the striker is sharp, the entire structure accelerates.
Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze benefit from defenders being drawn centrally. Midfield runners find more space to break forward. The collective improves because the focal point is functioning at peak efficiency.
It is also significant that his resurgence came in such a symbolic fixture. Scoring in a North London derby carries emotional resonance for supporters and players alike. Delivering twice in that environment builds credibility quickly. For a player whose adaptation to English football has been scrutinised, this performance felt like a defining step forward.
The Premier League title race remains tight, and consistency will ultimately determine its outcome. One outstanding display does not guarantee sustained dominance. Yet there are moments in a season that signal a shift in trajectory. Sunday felt like one. Gyokeres’ form appears to be trending upward at a stage where Arsenal require dependable goal production.
If he sustains this level through the coming weeks, Arsenal’s title charge will gather even greater momentum. The derby double was not merely a personal highlight. It was a statement that Viktor Gyokeres is ready to be central to the biggest moments of the campaign.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 22.02.2026
