Sweden manager Graham Potter has come out in support of Arsenal‘s Viktor Gyökeres over his difficult start to the season at the Emirates.
The Premier League winners signed the striker from Sporting in July 2025, and he was a regular in his debut season.
To put it in context, he played 3,671 minutes from 59 matches, managing 21 goals and three assists.
Arsenal showed interest in Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez in the summer. Their plan was to include the Sweden international as part of the deal to sign Alvarez. A deal didn’t take shape because the latter only wanted to join Barcelona.
Poor start with Arsenal for striker
Viktor Gyökeres has seen his playing time drastically reduced this season. He played 190 minutes from four matches, of which only 12 minutes were in the Premier League. That came against in their 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta has favoured Kai Havertz ahead of him, and the German has three goals from six matches.
Journalist Olof Lundh, writing in his column for Fotbollskanalen, looks at the 28-year-old’s situation at the north London club.
Graham Potter has selected the Arsenal man for the upcoming international break. Lundh believes Sweden’s four UEFA Nations League matches are an opportunity for him to send a message to Arteta.
He said: “Viktor Gyökeres has had a tough start to the season, but he is appreciated and guaranteed playing time with the national team. That should be a good reason to want to use the national team to show Mikel Arteta what he can do.”
“The national team’s attack is still stronger even though Elanga is missing considering the efforts in the World Cup and Newcastle before the injury stopped him.”
NT manager on Gyökeres’ struggles at Arsenal
Graham Potter also shares his take on the former Coventry City man’s difficult start to the season with Arsenal. Expressen have relayed his comments.
The Sweden manager, who supports Viktor Gyökeres, says ups and downs are part of a footballer’s life.
“Things happen in football. There are ups and downs. It’s part of the job and part of life. He’s won the Premier League and scored a lot of goals for Arsenal. He was fantastic for us in the playoffs and had a good World Cup as well,” Potter explained.
“But at that level, there’s always criticism and there’s always competition. You have to take it as it comes.”
“But from our perspective, it’s not a problem. We love Viktor, and I think he enjoys being here with the team and with us. I think it’s about creating the best conditions for him to enjoy his soccer. Then he’s a top player.”
