The Arsenal forward says he is fitter than last pre-season and expects an even hungrier squad to face Manchester City in Cardiff.
Viktor Gyokeres believes he is in a far stronger place than he was 12 months ago as Arsenal prepare to begin the new season against Manchester City, insisting both he and the Premier League champions are ready for the challenge ahead.
The Sweden international heads into Sunday’s Community Shield after an encouraging pre-season and says winning silverware has only increased Arsenal’s hunger to achieve even more.
Arsenal’s first competitive outing of the 2026-27 campaign comes against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday, with the Premier League champions taking on the FA Cup holders.
For Gyokeres, the match represents more than a traditional curtain-raiser.
“Against City? As a friendly?,” said Gyokeres. “I don’t know what other people think, but we want to win that game, for sure.
Viktor Gyokeres' face as a reporter claims the Community Shield is just another pre-season friendly! 😱
— Hayters TV (@hayterstv.bsky.social) 10 August 2026 at 07:44
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“When you win titles you get confidence, you get a boost with everything that comes with it.
“So, yeah, it’s only positive things with that.”
Arsenal won their first league title in 22 years last season and also reached the Champions League final, with Gyokeres contributing 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions despite starting only 26 of his 36 Premier League matches.
Now, the striker believes he is even better prepared for the campaign ahead.
“I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season,” he told Arsenal’s website. “I’ve had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically.”
The 28-year-old dismissed any suggestion that beginning the season as reigning champions changes the size of the task facing Arsenal.
“You can think about it (starting the season as champions) in a million different ways.
“If it is harder or not I don’t know, but it will be difficult to win the league, even if you won it last season it is still a big challenge.
“It is the best league in the world and a lot of teams are in very good shape with very good players. We won last season and we will try to win it this season.”
Gyokeres also believes the success of last season has only intensified the determination inside the dressing room, starting with manager Mikel Arteta.
Asked whether he sees the same hunger in his manager, Gyokeres replied: “More hunger.”
Arsenal’s preparations conclude against Como on Wednesday night after a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup, with Gyokeres scoring from the penalty spot in the second half, but the striker is confident the squad will be ready when the new season begins.
“It was amazing to be back and to feel the atmosphere and see the fans again but of course we wanted a result as well,” said Gyokeres.
“I think we’re in a good stage, everyone is coming back now from the World Cup so I’m sure we’re going to be ready for everything that comes.”
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