Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has launched a passionate defence of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, slamming fans and pundits who have questioned the forward’s early impact in the Premier League.
Gyökeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in a protracted and dramatic transfer saga over the summer. The move came with high expectations, but also with baggage: he had refused to train with Sporting in order to force the transfer, leaving him without a full pre-season. Adjusting to life in the Premier League under intense scrutiny was never going to be straightforward.
Ten games into his Arsenal career, the 27-year-old has scored three goals, including one from the penalty spot. His last strike came on 13 September, sparking murmurs from some fans and pundits over whether he is living up to the hype. But Tomasson insists those doubts are completely misplaced.
Jon Dahl Tomasson backs Gyökeres in strong words
The Sweden boss was emphatic when asked about Gyökeres during his pre-international break press conference:
“Viktor Gyökeres is in very good form at the moment and is very good. If people say he doesn’t have an impact on matches, then they don’t understand football and don’t have a clue about football.” — Jon Dahl Tomasson, FotbollSkanalen
Tomasson went on to highlight the forward’s less obvious contributions to Arsenal’s play. “He creates space for other players, works on the ball and makes runs. It’s excellent and he scores goals almost all the time, so he has an impact and has been very good. It’s always nice, as you need time when you come to a new club.”
Early signs at Arsenal: adapting under pressure
While three goals in ten games may not be the explosive start some Gunners fans had hoped for, Gyökeres has shown flashes of why Arsenal pushed hard for his signature. His physicality, tireless pressing, and ability to link play have already made him a valuable asset in Mikel Arteta’s system.
The challenge now is consistency. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, the club will need Gyökeres firing to ease the burden on other forwards. The fact that he has Tomasson’s backing should give him confidence heading into the coming months.
Viktor Gyökeres season stats so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Viktor Gyökeres |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | — |
| Last Goal | 13 September 2025 |
source: Sofascore data – 6 October 2025
Although the raw numbers are modest, Tomasson’s argument is that Gyökeres’s work off the ball and ability to stretch defences cannot be captured solely by goals and assists.
Analyst verdict: patience required at Arsenal
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Arsenal fans should take Tomasson’s words seriously:
“Gyökeres may not have exploded onto the Premier League like some foreign imports, but his profile is exactly what Arsenal need. He presses, runs the channels, and occupies defenders — allowing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard to find space. Once his confidence builds, the goals will flow.”
Arsenal’s summer signing is clearly still settling, but the long-term value of his presence in the squad is already becoming apparent.
Key insights
- Viktor Gyökeres has scored 3 goals in 10 Arsenal appearances so far.
- His last goal came on 13 September against league opposition.
- Some fans and pundits have questioned his all-round impact.
- Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson defended him fiercely, saying critics “don’t have a clue about football.”
- Arsenal see him as a long-term solution to their striker needs.
What’s next for Gyökeres and Arsenal?
Gyökeres will now link up with Sweden for their October fixtures, where he will hope to rediscover his scoring touch and return to Arsenal sharper. The Gunners face a packed run of games after the break, with both domestic and European competitions demanding squad depth.
If Gyökeres can turn Tomasson’s belief into consistent Premier League form, he could quickly silence his doubters and prove why Arsenal were right to make him their marquee summer signing.
👉 Do you think Viktor Gyökeres will become the striker Arsenal have been missing?
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