Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres believes his experience of winning league titles with Sporting CP is helping him navigate the intensity of the Premier League title race.
Speaking to DAZN Portugal, the Sweden international explained how back-to-back championship campaigns in Lisbon prepared him for the psychological demands of competing for silverware in England.
Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer after a prolific spell in Portugal, where he scored 97 goals and registered 27 assists across 102 appearances. Those performances helped Sporting secure consecutive league titles, and the striker now believes that experience is shaping his mindset in north London.
Viktor Gyokeres explains title-winning mentality
Reflecting on his time at Sporting, Gyokeres said the emotional challenges of tight title races are something he has already lived through.
“In the last two years, I went through a very similar situation in different aspects, where we fought for titles. Yes, it was difficult at different stages of the season and the rivals were close to us in the table. But fortunately, we managed to finish first in both seasons I was at Sporting, which was obviously fantastic.” — Viktor Gyokeres, DAZN Portugal
The striker suggested that those experiences now allow him to approach Arsenal’s title push with greater composure.
“Being in this position now with Arsenal is helping me to have the conviction and enthusiasm to be in this position at this moment, without fearing anything too much.” — Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres settling into Arsenal’s title race
Arsenal remain firmly involved in the Premier League title fight heading into the final stretch of the 2025/26 campaign. Gyokeres has contributed 15 goals in 37 appearances across competitions so far this season.
| Stat (2025/26) | Viktor Gyokeres |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | — |
| Key Matches Impact | North London derby goals |
source: sofascore match data – 4 March 2026
His recent performance in the north London derby, where he scored twice against Tottenham, underlined his growing influence in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Having followed Arsenal’s campaign closely this season, the striker’s adaptation has gradually accelerated after a period of adjustment earlier in the campaign. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his long-term impact in England.
Why Gyokeres’ experience matters for Arsenal
Title races often hinge on mentality as much as quality. Gyokeres’ comments suggest Arsenal have players who are familiar with the emotional pressure that accompanies a tight championship battle.
That experience could prove valuable as the season enters its decisive phase. Sporting’s title wins required navigating similar scenarios where rivals remained close in the standings for extended periods.
For Arsenal, maintaining composure during those stretches may prove just as important as tactical execution.
Key Insights
- Viktor Gyokeres won two consecutive league titles with Sporting before joining Arsenal.
- The striker scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.
- He has already contributed 15 goals in 37 games for Arsenal this season.
- Gyokeres believes past title battles help him handle pressure in England.
- Arsenal remain contenders in the Premier League title race.
What’s Next?
Arsenal enter the closing phase of the Premier League campaign with the title race expected to remain tight. Arteta’s side face a sequence of fixtures that could significantly shape their chances of lifting the trophy.
Gyokeres is likely to continue playing a central role in the attack as Arsenal balance league ambitions with other competitions. If he maintains his recent momentum, his experience from Portugal may prove increasingly influential during the run-in.
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