Viktor Gyokeres has said he was worried VAR would intervene to rule out his first goal in Arsenal’s win over Atletico Madrid.
Gyokeres extended Arsenal’s lead in the 67th minute, bundling the ball into the back of the net from close range to score for the first time since mid-September.
However, despite opening his account for the Gunners in the Champions League, the Sweden international’s initial celebrations were somewhat subdued.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Gyokeres revealed that he did not want to over-celebrate out of fear that VAR would find a reason to disallow the goal.
“Yes that was because of VAR. I don't know, it could have been something,” he told Gabby Logan.
"I just wanted to wait and not [celebrate] too much. Of course it was great to score two goals and get this win because it shows where we are at in this moment."
Gyokeres was ultimately encouraged to celebrate by his the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice who were clearly delighted for the summer signing ending his goal drought.
The striker went on to praise his team-mates, highlighting the togetherness in the squad.
Gyokeres said: "They're incredible, I think you can see that in how we play together and the spirit we have in the team is something else."
Further goals from Gabriel and Martinelli sealed an emphatic 4-0 win for the Gunners against the La Liga side as they move on to nine points in the league phase of this season’s Champions League.
