Arsenal’s star midfielder Declan Rice has encapsulated the relentless form of striker Viktor Gyökeres with a powerful, poignant one-word message that speaks directly to the culture manager Mikel Arteta is building at the Emirates.
Following Gyökeres’s latest commanding performance, in which he scored his most recent goal for the Gunners, Rice took to social media, simply labeling his teammate a “Machine.”
This concise, one-word tribute perfectly encapsulates the relentless work ethic and physical presence Mikel Arteta demands from his key players. Since his arrival, Gyökeres has quickly become the focal point of Arsenal’s attack, his off-the-ball movement, and tenacity proving as vital as his goal-scoring record.
The public praise from a key figure like Rice underscores the increasing cohesion and trust within the squad. This internal recognition, focusing on the striker’s continuous high-intensity contribution, is exactly what Arteta’s project seeks to foster, an environment where value is measured by collective function and consistent effort, not just individual output.
Reports indicate that Gyökeres has left a significant impression in training, with teammates like Gabriel Martinelli noting the striker’s daily intensity.
The “Machine” tag from Rice serves as powerful external validation of the Swedish forward’s impact, confirming his status as an indispensable component of Arsenal’s drive for major trophies this season.

