Viktor Gyokeres Lambasted for ‘Weak’ Performance in Sweden Defeat

Arsenal’s summer signing couldn’t help Sweden to a critical victory on Friday.

Viktor Gyökeres blanked in Sweden’s loss to Switzerland. / Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres was slammed by the media for his display in Sweden’s dismal 2–0 defeat to Switzerland on Friday night.

Sweden welcomed Switzerland to the Strawberry Arena as they sought their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, but instead slumped to a disappointing loss that dents their hopes of reaching next summer’s tournament.

Gyökeres started alongside Liverpool striker Alexander Isak—who was also lambasted for his display—but neither were able to penetrate Switzerland’s stubborn defence. The Arsenal forward was particularly ineffective, managing no shots on target and an expected goals total of just 0.08.

Swedish outlet Expressen were incredibly critical of Gyökeres after the whistle, giving him a rating of just 1/5 for his display.

“Thundered away from deep—from minute one,” they wrote. “Viktor Gyökeres looked lively. Then he got tired. And heavy. The number of errors increased with it. And overall, it can only be said that Gyökeres was one of the absolute weakest players on the field.”

Gyökeres (left) and Isak (right) struggled against Switzerland. / Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Fotbollskanalen were also unimpressed with the 27-year-old, writing: “Sweden needed Gyökeres at the top of his game in the important World Cup qualifying match. But he didn’t get it in crucial situations.”

And Svenska Fans were similarly disgruntled, handing him a 1/5 rating and stating: “His form has been waning lately. I don’t really know what’s happened, but he doesn’t seem to really believe it right now. It feels so resigned and awkward.”

Gyökeres has made a solid start to his Arsenal career, but has hardly terrorised Premier League defences. He’s scored just three for the Gunners to date, those efforts coming in routine home wins over Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal and Sweden supporters will hope to see better from their towering striker in Monday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Kosovo.

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