Viktor Gyokeres hits back at critics after ending goal drought in Sweden victory

Viktor Gyökeres has brushed off outside noise regarding his slow start to the season with Arsenal after netting the winning goal in Sweden's 2-1 Nations League victory over Romania.

The Arsenal striker scored his first goal of the 2026-27 campaign for club or country on the stroke of half-time at the Strawberry Arena, reacting quickest to slot home after Romanian goalkeeper Ionut Radu parried a long-range effort from Lucas Bergvall.

Alexander Isak had earlier opened the scoring for Graham Potter's Sweden in the 20th minute before Dennis Man leveled for Romania nine minutes later. Gyökeres' close-range finish proved to be the decisive strike, sealing three points for the hosts.

Unfazed by External Criticism

Gyökeres had failed to score across five appearances for Arsenal this season, clocking just 207 minutes and registering only one shot on goal. However, the former Sporting CP forward maintained he does not let criticism dictate his mindset.

"If there is a lot of [criticism] and you read it, of course you can be influenced, but that is not something I do," Gyökeres said following the match. "If you do well, you get praise and if you don't score goals as a striker and play as they expect, there is criticism. That is how it is for all footballers. It goes up and down.

"It is normal. It's always nice to score a goal. It was a good finish from Lucas [Bergvall] and I was in a good position at the far post. I received it and got it in."

Aiming to Replicate Debut Season Impact

After finding the back of the net 21 times in all competitions during his debut season under Mikel Arteta, Gyökeres acknowledged that his current performances for the Gunners must improve, especially with Kai Havertz sidelined through an injury sustained on international duty with Germany.

"I obviously need to do better, and yes, I want to do it, so that's no problem," Gyökeres admitted. "It's good [the dialogue with Arteta]. I just try to do well when I get the chance and score goals. You always want to be on the field as a football player, that's just how it is. I haven't played a lot, but I've had a few games. It felt okay then, but it's clear that you want to play football, and you want to play as much as possible. If I focus, that will come."

Meanwhile, strike partner Alexander Isak continued his rich vein of form, taking his tally to five goals in eight matches for club and country this season despite picking up a minor toe knock late in the contest.