Mikel Arteta: Viktor Gyokeres forced off at half-time with 'something muscular'

Goals from Gyokeres and Declan Rice capped a dominant first half that manager Mikel Arteta hailed as "one of the best" since he took charge in 2019.

"We started exceptionally well," said Arteta. "Two goals, several big chances, and nothing conceded. That first half was a platform - even though we dropped off slightly later.

Gyokeres ended a five-game league drought with the opener from a corner - Arsenal's 12th set-piece goal of the season. Arteta praised the Swedish striker's all-round display:

"His pressing, positioning, link-up - everything was exceptional. It's a shame he felt something muscular."

He was substituted at half-time and is a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Prague. Zubimendi also went off with a similar issue in the second half.

Scott Parker's side, now five points above the relegation zone, barely tested Arsenal until Florentino Luís' late header and Marcus Edwards' stoppage-time free-kick struck the post. Parker admitted the early set-piece goal hurt his team's confidence.

"We worked hard on defending those situations," he said. "But Arsenal's delivery and movement are top level."

Despite fitness concerns, the victory marked Arsenal's ninth straight win in all competitions - another sign of a team in commanding form.

"We're in a really good moment," Arteta said. "Now we just hope the lads are okay."