Arsenal fans didn’t quite know what to expect when Viktor Gyokeres arrived last summer, but one year on, it’s safe to say he’s delivered.
The Swedish striker has given Mikel Arteta something the Gunners have craved for years: a reliable, physical number nine who thrives in big moments.
Most Read on Gooner News
With 11 Premier League goals already and a growing influence in Europe, Gyokeres has quickly become a key figure in Arsenal’s title push. There have been ups and downs, sure, but performances like his latest on international duty are exactly why the club put their faith in him.
Arsenal star Gyokeres hailed after Sweden hat-trick
If there were any lingering doubts about Gyokeres’ ceiling at Arsenal, he’s just answered them emphatically. The 27-year-old produced a stunning hat-trick for Sweden in their 3-1 World Cup play-off win over Ukraine, dragging his country to within one game of qualification.
And the manner of it will have caught the attention of those back in North London. A poacher’s finish early on, a powerful second after the break, and the composure to slot home a penalty — it was the complete striker’s performance.
Sweden boss Graham Potter has already made him the focal point of his attack, and it’s not hard to see why. When others are missing, Gyokeres steps up. That’s the trait Arsenal fans will be hoping carries straight back to the Emirates.
After the game, Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov hailed Gyokeres for his stunning performance. He was quoted in the Standard: “I believed in my team throughout the match. We did everything we could and had chances to score, but their early goal hurt us, just as it did in the second half. We finished the match well, but it wasn’t enough.