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Worrying Viktor Gyokeres pattern emerges as Swedish media reveal problem with Arsenal striker

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Viktor Gyokeres has faced a mixed start to the campaign so far for Arsenal, but he hasn’t found it much easier on the international stage.

The striker’s switch from Sporting CP to the Gunners hasn’t brought about many goals so far, with three in the Premier League over two matches.

While the scoring hasn’t kicked off yet, Viktor Gyokeres has still made a valuable contribution with his all-around performances.

Alongside his start to life at Arsenal has come some important fixtures on the international stage with Sweden.

With a strike force that includes Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, there is some expectation for the side to do well in World Cup qualifying.

However, that hasn’t been the case, and the Arsenal star has come under fire for his recent performances.

Viktor Gyokeres chases after the ball during Sweden vs Kosovo
Photo by BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres slammed by Swedish media for ball control amid World Cup problems

Sweden’s World Cup qualification campaign has been a nightmare so far, with just one point picked up from four of their six matches.

That latest saw them fall to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kosovo, leaving them six points off a play-off place.

It was a damaging loss for the side, who are simply unable to make the most of their attacking talent.

Gyokeres is among the players under fire for his displays with the national team, as the Swedish media reveal their frustration.

Fotbollskanalen said of his display: “Had difficulty realising his potential and didn’t get into dangerous situations. Some good moves went wrong.”

Svenska Fans gave the Arsenal striker a rating of just one out of five, and said: “Can’t really get past his defenders like he did before. The clip in the step is not there, and loses almost every ball he gets.”

It’s a worrying pattern that is starting to emerge with Gyokeres, where he can’t seem to control the ball quite as well as before.

Perhaps that will come with even more match sharpness, or at least Arsenal will hope so after the summer transfer spend.

Viktor Gyokeres reacts during Sweden vs Switzerland
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Arsenal striker competition will help Viktor Gyokeres

One of the main challenges for Gyokeres early on has been the quick nature of his Arsenal career.

Perhaps Mikel Arteta would’ve wanted the striker playing as a backup to start with, as he adjusts to the Premier League, with options ahead of him.

The injury to Kai Havertz complicated that, as the Swedish international was thrown into the team straight away.

With a return for his fellow forward in the coming weeks, there is some hope that the extra competition will help Gyokeres settle.

There will be less pressure to lead the line and score in the way he is expected, with another forward able to lighten that load.

It remains to be seen how the dynamic between Gyokeres and Havertz will go, but it should only help the team improve.