"It was important to start" - Arteta hails Gyokeres' debut performance

The Gunners were defeated 3-2 at the Emirates by Spanish side Villarreal with the striker playing 63 minutes in the game.

Gyokeres had a quiet debut for Arsenal at the Emirates, managing just one shot and four completed passes.

Despite the defeat, Arteta claims the team is in a good place and remains upbeat ahead of the new season.

Mikel Arteta praised the former Sporting player's performance as he gradually gets interagted to the team.

"I think it was important for him to start, to get a game under his belt. I saw a lot of good things, a lot of intent. Overall, for a player who hasn't had many minutes, that's good," Arteta said in a press conference, as reported by Abola.

Arsenal face Athletic Bilbao on August 9th before their Premier League opener against Ruben Amorim's Manchester United. Arteta expects Gyokeres to hit his stride soon.

"I think he mentally understands what he needs to do to be at 100%. He's so willing and confident that I have no doubt he'll be ready," he added.

Gyokeres was substituted for Martin Odegaard, who scored one of Arsenal's goals from the penalty spot.