Viktor Gyokeres makes promise to Arsenal fans as Chelsea celebration says it all | Football | Sport

Viktor Gyokeres broke his barren spell to hand Arsenal a vital Carabao Cup advantage against Chelsea – and vowed there’s plenty more coming. The Gunners forward netted just his second strike in 11 games, and his first from open play since November 1, whilst also setting up Martin Zubimendi to score. The Swedish international’s muted celebration spoke volumes, appearing somewhat sheepish before being encouraged by supportive team-mates who were clearly thrilled for him.

The result puts Arsenal in the driving seat ahead of next month’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates, though Alejandro Garnacho’s brace has given new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior something to build upon. Gyokeres commented: “That’s what I need to do and I can do it more often. We won today and we keep going. It’s still a second leg but of course it’s good to come away with a win and advantage for the second leg, but we still have to do a good performance in the second match.

“I think it was a tough game. We defended well. They were, as always, dangerous when they have counter-attacks, but I think we defended well. Unfortunate to have conceded two but offensively we scored three, so happy with that.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, securing his first victory in nine two-legged semi-final encounters, conceded his team could have wrapped up the tie more convincingly. Arteta remarked: “I have to praise the players for the performance, for the game that we just played against a really good opponent.

“With so much quality on that pitch, we had the feeling at the end after we made it 3-1 and the very dominant period that we had in that time, that we had two massive chances to score the fourth one and the result would have been very different.

“But in that moment, they had an action, they created a corner, they scored a goal, and’s it’s game on. So that feeling is not perfect but as well we have to value what the team has done again.”

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior defended goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who bore significant responsibility for two of the goals conceded, insisting the tie remains alive. Rosenior stated: “When my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. He made a save in the second-half that was absolutely world-class. That would have put us out of the tie.”

He added: “We’re playing probably the best pressing team in Europe, their full strength team. I’m proud of the bravery of the players. I’ve been here six days, I’m not asking for time because I think the team are good enough to win now.”