Viktor Gyökeres is facing fresh scrutiny after a disappointing run of form for both club and country, with Swedish media questioning the Arsenal striker’s touch and confidence in front of goal.
The £75 million summer signing from Sporting CP has managed three goals in the Premier League but has yet to fully find his rhythm under Mikel Arteta — and it appears his struggles have followed him onto the international stage.
Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been disastrous so far, yielding just one point from their first four matches. The latest setback came in a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo, where Gyökeres again found himself under fire for a subdued performance.
Fotbollskanalen wrote that the Arsenal forward “had difficulty realising his potential and didn’t get into dangerous situations,” while Svenska Fans were even harsher, rating him one out of five and claiming he “loses almost every ball he gets.”
The criticism has sparked concern that a worrying pattern is developing — one where Gyökeres struggles to impose himself physically or technically when faced with tight marking and high-pressure situations.
Swedish media slam Gyökeres’ control and form
Gyökeres was one of Europe’s standout strikers last season, netting 43 goals across all competitions for Sporting CP, but adapting to Arsenal’s system has proved challenging. Arteta’s positional demands and emphasis on link-up play have required the Swede to adjust his natural game.
For Sweden, meanwhile, his partnership with Alexander Isak has failed to ignite, with the duo rarely combining effectively. Analysts in Stockholm have pointed to Gyökeres’ heavy first touch and reduced explosiveness as key factors behind his recent dip.
“Can’t really get past his defenders like he did before. The clip in the step is not there, and loses almost every ball he gets.” — Svenska Fans, player ratings after Kosovo defeat
Sweden now sit six points off a play-off spot with two matches remaining, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Gyökeres’ Arsenal start in numbers
| Stat (2025/26) | Viktor Gyökeres |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots on Target % | 52% |
source: sofascore Premier League data – 13 October 2025
While his goal tally isn’t alarming, Gyökeres’ hold-up play and confidence appear to have dipped since arriving in north London. Arteta, however, has praised the forward’s work rate and physical contribution, suggesting his best form will come once Arsenal’s attacking line is fully settled.
Analyst Verdict — Liam Rowe, FootballPlace
In my view, this is less about Gyökeres’ talent and more about timing. The striker’s move to Arsenal came at a point when he still needed adaptation time — but Kai Havertz’s injury forced him into an immediate starting role.
We believe once Havertz returns and rotation becomes possible, Gyökeres will benefit from reduced pressure and sharper form. His underlying metrics — progressive runs, duel success, expected goals — remain strong enough to suggest a breakthrough is close.
Key Insights
- Swedish media label Gyökeres’ recent performances “frustrating” and “ineffective.”
- Arsenal’s £75m forward still finding rhythm after Sporting CP move.
- Sweden’s poor World Cup qualifying run adds to scrutiny.
- Havertz’s imminent return could ease the pressure on Gyökeres.
- Arteta remains confident the striker will rediscover his finishing touch.
What’s Next for Arsenal and Gyökeres
Arsenal face Fulham away on 18 October before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Arteta is expected to persist with Gyökeres up front, banking on his physicality and movement to eventually click in the Premier League.
For Sweden, qualification hopes are fading fast — but for Gyökeres, the coming weeks could be decisive in rebuilding confidence and silencing critics both at home and abroad.
👉 Do you think Viktor Gyökeres will come good for Arsenal once Havertz returns?
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