Viktor Gyokeres offered an odd excuse for Arsenal’s poor performance on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)Viktor Gyokeres’ comment about the Emirates pitch has been labelled ‘ridiculous’ and ‘weak’ after Arsenal lost at home to Bournemouth on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side was very underwhelming in defeat to Bournemouth and Gyokeres offered a strange reason for the loss straight after the final whistle. ‘Sometimes you might want a pitch that’s a bit skiddier, but Arsenal control that, they’re the home side. Then the groundsman waters the pitch before the game and he waters it at half-time and they get a pitch that’s a little bit more fiery. Luckily we have a good game again on Wednesday to play and another one at the weekend.

Source: Metro April 12, 2026 12:29 UTC