Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal change that has caused turnaround amid Viktor Gyokeres verdict

The best ever?

Is that Arsenal’s best ever European away performance? It's hard to think of many that challenge it.

People will think back to the 4-2 win over Valencia in the Europa League under Unai Emery. They will talk about the wins over Real Madrid and AC Milan or the 5-1 hammering of Inter in the Invincibles season. Few felt as complete as this though. Mikel Arteta certainly thinks it’s the best of his time in charge of the club.

"For sure," he said when asked exactly that. "Especially against the opponent that we played in their home. I don’t think they’ve lost here in 18 months. They’ve been in top form, they’ve been better than everyone they’ve played here. To play to that level with the fluidity that we’ve done today, very pleased."

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What perhaps made this display most impressive was the struggle Arsenal had to go through within it. If this had been the same Gunners side who arrived at this stadium two years ago, perhaps they would have folded under the pressure of an atmosphere with fireworks to match.

Thankfully for Arsenal, that fate is reserved purely for their domestic rivals Manchester City after this round of Champions league games. The Gunners are looking good in Europe.

What’s changed?

This kind of display feels a far cry from Arsenal’s last European away trip. In Milan they were utterly dominant against Inter, but lacked the result to match.

That has been the case in many of their Premier League games too this season. Since returning from the November international break though, things have changed.

Arsenal were emphatic and convincing against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. They were up another level against Sporting. For Arteta the difference is clear.

"We were training with 11 or 12 players for long periods," he said in his post-match press conference. "Some of them they could not train or play. Now almost everyone is fit and available.

"It’s true that we’re still managing certain players. The level raises no doubt if we have the availability we’re going to be a really good side."

With the confidence in the availability comes the confidence in Arsenal’s ability. This was a statement victory where the Gunners proved their ability to do it against top quality opposition in Europe.

"The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams," he said. "We played PSG and we were exceptional again. We played Bayern and were exceptional. But we made some mistakes and it cost us. That’s the level. We have to be able to cope. You have to make it happen.

"That creates belief. We need that consistency because the ability is there."

Gyokeres fails test

Tonight was a big one for Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish international has been the apple of many a Premier League eye, and if rumours are to be believed, Arsenal are among that number. They may be reassessing their plans after this performance.

Talk has suggested that Gyokeres could be valued at as much as £100million this summer. To be worth that much a player has to be able to overcome every challenge. Up against two top quality defenders in Gabriel and William Saliba Gyokeres came up short.

The Swede look desperate for an 'I'm him' moment that never came on the night. He was simply unable to hold the ball up against the strength and might of Arsenal’s defensive duo. On the rare times he was able to pull off his trademark trick of running in behind, Gyokeres look so desperate to prove himself that his decision making was rushed and ineffective. His shots were far too quickly taken and on the rare chance that he did get to take his time, he blasted a well-placed free kick over the bar and halfway out of the stadium.

There were still flashes of the player who has got Europe talking these past couple of years. In his one dual with a player not of world class calibre he proved his ability, powering away from Jakub Kiwior who had come on to replace the injured Gabriel and smacking the underside of the crossbar with a powerful drive.

For the prices being quoted, though, Arsenal will want more than a flat track bully. It may be back to the drawing board with regards to their ongoing search for that elusive striker.