Graham Potter
Sweden manager Graham Potter
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres received public backing from Sweden manager Graham Potter after his derby heroics against Tottenham, but the national boss made it clear he will not be asking Mikel Arteta for any favours.
Gyökeres scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham, further strengthening his role in a side competing on four fronts this season. Speaking to Swedish outletSportbladet, Potter praised the 27-year-old’s character and influence.
“It was very good for him. I think it highlights his character and personality. From my perspective, there is no doubt about Viktor. He is a top player, a top person,” Potter said.
The Arsenal forward has faced spells of criticism this season. However, Potter insisted he never doubted him.
“I think he has contributed to where Arsenal are as a team in all four competitions, but every player sometimes goes through a period where they receive a bit of criticism. That is part of the job.”
Why there’ll be no request to Mikel Arteta
With Sweden facing an important match against Ukraine in March, fitness is a concern. Dejan Kulusevski is expected to miss the camp, while Alexander Isak and Lucas Bergvall are also dealing with injuries.
That context led to a natural question: would Potter ask Arteta to manage Gyökeres’ Arsenal minutes more carefully? The answer was blunt.
“I don’t think he will be particularly interested in what I have to say, if I am honest, and I don’t blame him. I think he has a lot to think about.”
In other words, Potter understands Arsenal’s priorities. Even though the Spanish manager was blamed by the Swedish press before for Gyökeres’ slow start, Arteta now is fighting on multiple fronts, and the striker is central to those ambitions.
How it looks from Arsenal’s perspective
Potter’s comments remove any suggestion of external pressure regarding Gyökeres’ workload. The Sweden manager accepts club-over-country dynamics at this stage of the season.
Moreover, the praise reinforces Gyökeres’ standing. Despite criticism earlier in the campaign, he remains trusted by both club and country.
If Arsenal continue deep runs in domestic and European competitions, rotation will be inevitable. Still, Potter’s stance makes clear that any decision over Gyökeres’ minutes will rest solely with Arteta.
For now, Arsenal benefit from a striker in form – and a national manager who knows his place in the pecking order.