Viktor Gyokeres shown support as manager fiercely defends struggling Arsenal star
Viktor Gyokeres has featured in just one of Arsenal's Premier League games so far this season.(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been backed by Sweden manager Graham Potter despite his slow start to the new season. The 28-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this campaign.
He has been an unused substitute for three of Arsenal ’s four league games and featured for just 12 minutes in the 2-1 win over Chelsea. He started both the Champions League clash against Napoli and Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town, but failed to register a goal or an assist in either match.
Gyokeres was Arsenal’s top scorer last season with 21 goals in all competitions. But his lack of impact so far this campaign has led to some question marks, with Kai Havertz seemingly Arteta's preferred man up top.
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The striker will link up with Sweden during the upcoming international break, and Potter has given his full backing to his player.
"Things happen. It goes up and down, just like it does in life,” he said, via Fotbollskanalen .
“He is a Premier League winner. He scored many goals as a number nine for Arsenal. He was incredible in the qualifiers and also had a good World Cup.”
He added: "Players at this level will always get criticism at some point. But there is no problem here.
“We love Viktor. He enjoys being here. We will create the best conditions for him so that he can continue to be a top player.”
Gyokeres will look to get back to scoring ways when Sweden takes on Romania in the Nations League on Friday, 25 September (7.45pm). They then host Poland in the same competition on Monday, 28 September (7.45pm).
The extended international break means that there will be more international fixtures, with Sweden travelling to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, 2 October (7.45pm). They end the fixtures with a trip to Romania on Monday, 5 October (7.45pm).
Gyokeres will return to domestic action with Arsenal when the Gunners host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 10 October (12.30pm kick-off).
Speaking about the Sweden international's lack of game time, former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has said that the forward needs to show some patience. "I think he's just got to be patient, keep the faith, have a strong mindset and mentality and really believe in his quality and that he will turn things around," he told LiveFootballTickets.com.
"Obviously, I know how difficult it is when suddenly you're not playing and you're on the bench and you don't really understand why. When you look at it, he was the top scorer last year. Obviously there was some criticism and people expected more for the money invested, but in the end he did deliver. I think he scored some important goals and he gives you something different.”
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