(Credit: Hasan Karim/Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 5 September 2025 22:24, UK

Mikel Arteta will have a decision to make over the inclusion of Viktor Gyokeres in his starting XI following a poor display on international duty.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting in the summer for £64million and he scored twice on his Emirates debut against Leeds.

The 27-year-old started Sweden’s match against Slovenia in World Cup qualifying alongside Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga up-front.

Former Newcastle striker and now Liverpool player Alexander Isak started on the bench and did not come on in the contest which finished 2-2.

Viktor Gyokeres weak in Sweden draw

Gyokeres played the full 90 minutes against Slovenia in a performance lacking impact despite grabbing the assist for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari’s goal.

The most concerning stat for Arteta will be the amount of duels Gyokeres lost, with just two ground duels won and no ariel duels won.

Gyokeres was brought into Arsenal as a powerful and aerially dominant striker, though this display contradicted that verdict.

Mikel Arteta faces Nottingham Forest dilemma

Gyokeres’ performance against Sweden would have concerned Arteta, since the striker has yet to show his best form at Arsenal.

Despite two goals against Leeds, Gyokeres has so far failed to live up to the high expectations many believed he would reach.

It is still early days in his career in North London, but Arteta could take Gyokeres out of the firing line against Nottingham Forest, although Kai Havertz’s injury furthers the manager’s predicament.

Sweden are facing Kosovo next in the international break before Gyokeres returns to Arsenal, and Arteta will be hoping the striker can find the net in that clash.

Arteta needs Gyokeres to be able to spearhead his charge towards trophies this season, but there already looks to be plenty of work required to get him to 20 or more goals.