Viktor Gyokeres with Sweden.
Vikto Gyokeres was on target for Sweden's Nations League win over Romania on Friday, putting aside his Arsenal struggles to impress for his nation. Gyokeres has struggled for game time at the Emirates Stadium of late, making only two Premier League appearances so far this season.
The striker has been left on the bench for the other three Premier League outings, with Kai Havertz currently the preferred option up top. Gyokeres scored 21 goals across all competitions last season, which was his first for Arsenal, but there was still a general feeling that he needed to offer more to Mikel Arteta's system. The Arsenal boss clearly feels the same, and Gyokeres has been left struggling for game time, although he remains a starter for his nation.
Sweden beat Romania 2-1 at home in their first game of their Nations League campaign, with Gyokeres and Alexander Isak on target, and all of the goals were scored before half-time, with Gyokeres restoring Sweden's lead after Romia had equalised just before the half-hour mark.
According to Hurbra, Gyokeres was Sweden's 'best player' in the game, handing him a 5/5 rating. They said: "Sweden's best player. Gyökeres scored the most important goal, giving Sweden a 2-1 lead just before halftime. He reacted quickly to the rebound after Bergvall's shot and placed the ball in. But the grade is not based solely on the goal.
"Gyökeres gave the Romanian defense problems with his physicality, his runs and his willingness to constantly attack areas. When Sweden needed someone to decide, it was Gyökeres who did it. He was also the highest ranked of the Swedish players in FotMob's match."
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Meanwhile, Gyokeres only got a 3/5 with Svenskafans, who explained: "The lack of playing time at Arsenal was evident as he didn't really get into the game. But at least he scored a goal, which is his main task. In addition, he was good in the target game as usual."
The performance will be a good confidence boost for Gyokeres, who needs to get back to scoring goals and regularly showing Arteta what he can offer that Havertz cannot. The Gunners signed the Sweden international to be a dangerous goalscorer, but while he has contributed a fair amount of goals, he hasn't been that elite threat they thought he might be. That could change, and Gyokeres should still see plenty of game time over the course of the season.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres