Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was on target for Sweden on Monday night as they thumped Sweden 5-1 in Mexico to kickstart their World Cup campaign with a bang
03:46, 16 Jun 2026Updated 03:48, 16 Jun 2026
Viktor Gyokeres scored in Sweden’s World Cup opener vs Tunisia
Viktor Gyokeres has hit back at former Sweden player and Viaplay analyst Martin Aslund following a bizarre attack on the Arsenal striker.
Aslund criticised his compatriot’s first touch during the 5-1 World Cup demolition of Tunisia in which Gyokeres scored.
He posted on X: “What the hell Gyokeres. Must release the ball faster. Just because he often has a less good first touch that means he needs more time, he should still be able to release it faster on some occasions. Isak should have a free position there.”
After the game, those comments were put to Gyokeres, to which he replied: “I got one assist and could have gotten two more. I don’t know how many assists you should get in a game.”
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The 28-year-old is hoping to make it a summer to remember on the back of Arsenal’s historic Premier League triumph.
Gyokeres also finished up as the Gunners’ top goalscorer in all competitions after joining from Sporting CP last August.
He also bagged the goals that fired Sweden to the World Cup via the play-offs, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against Ukraine before netting the all-important winner against Poland.
Now he’s hopeful Sweden’s passionate fans can roar Graham Potter’s team in North America, adding: “That’s why we’re doing this performance, it’s thanks to them. Of course we’re doing it ourselves too, but it helps a lot when you have supporters on site and at home.”
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak were both on target for Sweden(Image: Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gyokeres added on the sweltering heat: “It was tough at first, then you got into it. It took a little while to get used to it, but it was a little different.”
He linked up admirably with fellow goalscorer Alexander Isak at the tip of Sweden’s attack as they now prepare to lock horns with Holland in Group F.
Potter made it clear ahead of Sweden’s opener that he felt Gyokeres was crucial to his team’s success, explaining: “He’s obviously had a fantastic season.
“We want to use him to his best, try and get the most out of him. Because if we do, then he gives us a chance to win football matches. That’s for sure.”
Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari was also on target twice while Mattias Svanberg also found the net.
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