Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has hit back at critics questioning Viktor Gyokeres’s contribution at Arsenal, insisting that anyone doubting the striker’s influence on the pitch “doesn’t have a clue about football.”
Arsenal fought hard to secure Gyökeres’s signature over the summer, eventually agreeing to a deal worth up to £64 million for the prolific forward, who arrived from Sporting CP after an incredible run of 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.
The Swedish international made a bright start to life in North London, netting three Premier League goals, but has since gone six matches without scoring, prompting murmurs of frustration from sections of the fanbase questioning his impact when he isn’t finding the net.
Tomasson, however, has come out firmly in defense of his star striker, brushing aside any criticism and emphasizing Gyokeres’s all-round value to the team.
“Viktor Gyokeres is in very good form at the moment and is very good,” Tomasson said. “If people say he doesn’t have an impact, then they don’t understand football and don’t have a clue about football.
“He creates space for other players, works on the ball and makes runs. It’s excellent and he scores goals almost all the time, so he has an impact and has been very good. It’s always nice, as you need time when you come to a new club.”
Meanwhile Sweden are gearing up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against Switzerland and Kosovo. Tomasson will be hopeful his striker can find his scoring boots in these games after enduring that dry patch at club level.
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