Viktor Gyokeres sends ‘special’ message after Sporting CP vs Arsenal, Declan Rice and William Saliba react

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Credit: Imago Viktor Gyokeres sends ‘special’ message after Sporting CP vs Arsenal, Declan Rice and William Saliba react Wed 8 April 2026 12:15, UK Viktor Gyokeres returned to Sporting CP with a bang as Arsenal claimed an important victory in a Champions League quarter-final first leg.It was the 27-year-old’s first time back at the club since his £55million move on Tuesday, 7 April, and while he played the entire 90 minutes, it was substitute Kai Havertz who notched the game’s only goal.The Gunners struggled to break the deadlock before coming back to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg, only for the German to link up brilliantly with Gabriel Martinelli in the first minute of added time.Mikel Arteta was overjoyed on the sidelines, with his side’s continuous pressure paying off in the final minute, and it was an emotional night for Gyokeres, who faced his former side, Sporting.Superb Kai Havertz 😮‍💨Brilliant play from Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz calmly slots home after a sublime first touch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LF9EnQutnw— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 7, 2026 View Tweet ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture. VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Viktor Gyokeres gives ‘special’ thanks at the Estadio Jose AlvaladeThe Sweden internetional kept pushing for the entire 90 minutes, against some of his former teammates as well, and wanted to recognise the atmosphere on social media after the game.Taking to Instagram (8 April), Gyokeres wrote: Great feeling being back to this special place with a lot of memories.

Thanks for the reception, onto the next one,” with praying and heart emojis.The striker’s post gained a lot of attention, with likes coming from Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Leandro Trossard.Gyokeres has experienced a mixed time since his move to North London, but what is clear is that both sets of supporters value him and what he did at Sporting, and now does for Arsenal.Mikel Arteta might be concerned by striker’s full statsAlthough the centre-forward never gave up hope of latching onto a final pass, the game mostly passed him by, managing to take just 18 touches in his 90 minutes on the pitch [FotMob].Viktor Gyokeres vs Sporting CPStatsMinutes played90Accurate passes78% (7/9)Shot accuracy50% (1/2)Touches in opposition box4Dispossessed3Ground duels won33% (2/6)These stats would suggest that a change of striker might be needed for the Gunners’ upcoming clash against Bournemouth on Saturday, 11 April, with Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both available.It is especially important that all three are fit and ready for the second leg back at the Emirates, but with Man City close behind in the Premier League table, Arteta’s side can’t lose focus. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.