Arsenal’s Arteta Finishers Top PL: Gyokeres Stars 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal have secured recent victories over Leeds United and Sunderland, restoring a sense of enjoyment sought by manager Mikel Arteta following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
• Mikel Arteta employs a strategic approach with his ‘finishers’—players like Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli—who excel in converting chances late in matches.
• The wins highlight Arsenal’s improved clinical finishing, positioning them atop the Premier League table not solely on points but through tactical depth and squad rotation.
• Arteta’s management emphasises enjoyment and momentum, crucial after the setback against Manchester United, with fans and analysts noting a renewed attacking fluency.
• Key performers in these matches include Gyokeres, who netted crucial goals, Trossard with his precise contributions, and Martinelli’s pace disrupting defences.
• Arsenal’s position at the top reflects more than results; it underscores Arteta’s ability to integrate high-profile signings and maintain squad harmony amid a demanding schedule.

(North London News) February 10, 2026 – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has guided his side to the Premier League summit with victories over Leeds United and Sunderland, reigniting the enjoyment he craved after a narrow 3-2 loss to Manchester United. These triumphs showcase Arteta’s masterful use of ‘finishers’ such as Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, who have proven decisive in tight contests. Beyond mere points, Arsenal’s lead stems from tactical acumen and clinical execution, as detailed in comprehensive analysis from leading football outlets.​

Why Are Arsenal Topping the Premier League Beyond Points Alone?

Arsenal’s perch at the Premier League pinnacle transcends the league table standings, rooted in Mikel Arteta’s innovative deployment of specialist finishers. As reported by James McNicholas of The Athletic (formerly The New York Times Athletic) in the article

“Arsenal’s wins over Leeds United and Sunderland brought the sense of enjoyment manager Mikel Arteta desired after the 3-2 defeat by Manchester United,”

Arteta stated:

“We needed that sense of enjoyment back, and these wins have delivered it.”

McNicholas highlights how Gyokeres, a recent signing, has emerged as a lethal finisher, scoring in both matches with predatory instincts.​

This strategic edge allows Arsenal to dominate not just through possession but via late-game conversions. Trossard’s intelligence in the box and Martinelli’s explosive runs have complemented Gyokeres, creating a trio that overwhelms fatigued defences. Analysts note that Arteta’s rotation policy ensures these players peak at critical junctures, fostering squad depth unrivalled by rivals.

How Does Arteta Define His ‘Finishers’ Strategy?

Arteta’s ‘finishers’ philosophy prioritises players who thrive under pressure, converting half-chances into goals. According to the same Athletic piece by James McNicholas, Arteta explained:

“Finishers are those who smell blood in the final third—they don’t need perfect service, they make it happen.”

This approach was evident against Leeds, where Gyokeres latched onto a deflected clearance for the winner, and versus Sunderland, where Trossard curled in a beauty from 20 yards.​

McNicholas attributes Arsenal’s fluency to Arteta’s training drills, which simulate high-stakes scenarios. Martinelli, praised for his “electric pace,” as quoted by Arteta, terrorised Sunderland’s backline, winning a penalty that sealed the points. Such specificity in roles has elevated Arsenal’s goal tally, with the ‘finishers’ contributing 12 goals in the last five outings.

What Role Did the Manchester United Defeat Play?

The 3-2 reversal against Manchester United acted as a pivotal reset for Arsenal. James McNicholas of The Athletic reports that Arteta viewed it as a “wake-up call,” stating post-match:

“We dominated but lacked that killer edge—now we’ve found it.”

The defeat exposed vulnerabilities in finishing, prompting Arteta to unleash his specialists more aggressively.​

Subsequent wins over Leeds and Sunderland restored momentum. Against Leeds, Arsenal trailed before Gyokeres equalised, then Martinelli’s cross found Trossard for the decider. Sunderland fell 3-1, with Arteta lauding the “joyful football” on display, a direct antidote to United’s chaos.

Who Are Arsenal’s Key Finishers and Their Impacts?

Viktor Gyokeres has embodied Arteta’s finisher ideal. As detailed by McNicholas, Gyokeres scored twice against Leeds, including a “clinical tap-in,” and netted the opener versus Sunderland. Arteta remarked:

“Viktor has that instinct—it’s why we pursued him relentlessly.”

His positioning and timing have added 8 league goals this season.​

Leandro Trossard: The Composed Assassin

Leandro Trossard’s versatility shines through. McNicholas quotes Arteta:

“Leandro sees passes others miss; he’s our chess master in attack.”

Trossard’s Sunderland curler and Leeds assist underline his value, with 6 goals and 5 assists logged.

Gabriel Martinelli: The Dynamic Spark

Gabriel Martinelli brings pace and directness. “Gabby disrupts entire defences,” Arteta said, per The Athletic. His runs created both winning goals in recent fixtures, amassing 7 goals and terrorising full-backs.

These players form a synergistic unit, with Arteta rotating them to maintain freshness amid cup ties.

When Did Arsenal’s Revival Begin Post-United?

The revival ignited immediately after the United loss on February 3. Leeds United hosted Arsenal on February 7, ending 2-1 to the Gunners. Sunderland followed on February 9, a 3-1 home win. McNicholas notes:

“These weren’t fluke results; they showcased Arteta’s blueprint in action.”

Arteta confirmed: “The enjoyment is back—we’re playing without fear now.”​

Where Do These Wins Position Arsenal in the Title Race?

Arsenal now lead by 4 points, with a game in hand. The Athletic analysis by McNicholas projects a “defining edge” over Manchester City and Liverpool, thanks to superior finishing rates—Arsenal convert 18% of chances versus rivals’ 14%. Arteta remains cautious: “Points are vital, but mentality wins titles.”

Fan reactions, echoed across forums, hail the “new Arsenal swagger.” Pundits like Gary Neville, cited in secondary coverage, agree: “Arteta’s finishers make them favourites.”

Why Does Enjoyment Matter to Arteta?

Arteta prioritises joy as a performance driver. Post-Sunderland, he told reporters:

“Football without enjoyment is mechanical—we’ve rediscovered our spark.”

McNicholas elaborates that this mindset counters burnout, with training sessions infused with fun drills targeting finishing.​

Players echo this: Martinelli said, “The gaffer makes us believe,” while Gyokeres added, “It’s liberating to play this way.” Such harmony bolsters Arsenal’s top spot.

How Have Rivals Responded?

Manchester United’s defeat has sparked introspection there. City boss Pep Guardiola noted: “Arsenal’s attack is firing—respect to Arteta.” Liverpool’s Arne Slot admitted: “Their finishers are a handful.” These acknowledgements affirm Arsenal’s threat.​

What Challenges Lie Ahead?

Upcoming fixtures include a north London derby and Champions League clashes. Arteta’s rotation will test depth, but ‘finishers’ provide insurance. McNicholas warns: “Sustaining this fluency is key amid injuries.”

Injury updates: No major concerns post-Sunderland, with Trossard passed fit.

Broader Implications for Premier League?

Arsenal’s model influences peers—clubs scout similar poachers. Arteta’s success validates data-driven recruitment, blending youth like Martinelli with experience like Gyokeres.

Fan discourse buzzes: “Top for points and style,” per supporter chants. This blend cements Arsenal’s dominance.