Viktor Gyokeres has praised new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis but rejected the notion that the Gunners are clear favourites to retain the Premier League title this season.
Gyokeres praises Tzolis settling in at Arsenal
Speaking to talkSPORT, the Coventry City striker hailed Tzolis as a top player and a very nice guy, noting that the Greek winger is settling in nicely at the Emirates. Tzolis, who joined Arsenal from Club Brugge for £34m, provided two assists on his debut in the Community Shield win over Manchester City. He recorded 22 goals and 29 assists last season at Club Brugge, more than any other player in Europe for goal contributions.
Gyokeres said: 'He's a top guy. He's a very nice guy outside and of course a very good player on the pitch. He contributes a lot and he's very good in his decision making. In the final third, he makes good decisions there and managed to get a lot of goal contributions. That's what every team needs and of course everyone that plays in our team wants to do that when they're on the pitch and if he does that, it's only good.'
Arsenal's title defence and rivals' rebuilds
Arsenal begin their title defence against Championship champions Coventry City on Friday night, following their Community Shield win. Mikel Arteta handed a debut to £75m summer signing Bruno Guimaraes, who performed well, but Tzolis was the standout performer. With nearly all of Arsenal's main rivals changing managers and undergoing rebuilds this summer, the Gunners have been installed as clear early favourites to retain the title in 2026/27.
However, Gyokeres does not believe his team have gone from 'the hunters to the hunted' and insists anything can happen this season. He stated: 'Everyone starts on zero points. I think it doesn't matter what they've done last season or the season before that or whatever. It's a new season; it's the same for everyone. Everyone's going to play the same amount of games. So, we have to do it all over again. We don't have to defend it, we just have to win as many games as we can and then hopefully, we'll be there in the end again.'
