Viktor Gyokeres admits Arsenal frustration after Sweden criticism
Viktor Gyökeres
Kai HavertzViktor Gyokeres has confessed to feeling frustrated by his reduced role at Arsenal after losing his starting place to Kai Havertz. The Swedish forward, who played a key role in the Gunners’ historic Premier League title triumph last season, has found himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up this term.
The striker joined the club in the summer of 2025 from Sporting CP as a marquee signing. He enjoyed an incredible debut campaign, netting 21 times in all competitions, with 14 league goals helping the Gunners secure their first Premier League trophy in over two decades.
A difficult spell on the bench
However, Gyokeres began losing ground to his German teammate towards the end of the previous campaign, with Havertz preferred for the Champions League final. This season, the Swede has only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League, though he has started in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT, Gyokeres said:
“Of course it’s frustrating, no matter where it is. You always want to be on the field and contribute, score goals.”
The forward is determined to make an impact when called upon, adding:
“It can be frustrating sometimes but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”
Mixed reviews on international duty
His club frustrations have spilled over into his international performances, drawing mixed reviews from the Swedish press. Despite scoring the winning goal in Sweden’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Romania, his performance was heavily criticised.
The striker reacted quickest to a parried shot from Lucas Bergvall to find the net, but his overall display was described as “bit dull” by TVMatchen, who awarded him a six-out-of-ten rating. Other outlets like SvenskaFans noted he struggled to influence the game, while FotbollSkanalen criticised his work in duels and his control of the ball.
However, SVT Sport defended the forward, noting he now has 22 goals in 38 international appearances. This makes him the leading goalscorer in the current Sweden squad, ahead of Liverpool’s Isak.
Commitment to the Emirates Stadium
Despite his current struggles and summer transfer speculation, including Arsenal’s reported interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Gyokeres insists he never wanted to leave north London.
Reflecting on the summer transfer window, Gyokeres told SVT:
“Of course there was a lot of speculation. But I had a whole pre-season and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal. For me, staying was a given.”
He remains proud of the club’s achievements, acknowledging that ending the club’s long wait for a league title was a massive achievement.
An opportunity to impress Arteta
The striker could soon get his chance to regain his starting spot under Arteta due to an injury to his main rival. Havertz suffered a muscle strain during Germany’s recent draw with the Netherlands and has left the national team camp.
With Leeds United visiting the Emirates on October 10, followed by a Champions League clash against Lille, Gyokeres is in line to lead the line. Before returning to north London, he will look to build on his international tally when Graham Potter’s Sweden face Poland on Monday.
