“They don’t understand football" - National team boss hits back at Arsenal summer signing Victor Gyokeres' critics 

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Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has slammed critics of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres. He heaped praise on the forward and explained that he makes an impact even when he's not scoring.

The Gunners signed Gyokeres for a reported fee of €73 million, including add-ons, from Sporting CP in the summer. He has scored just three goals in 10 games across competitions for them. Moreover, many fans and pundits have criticized the Swede's playing style and impact.

Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has, however, defended the Arsenal man. He said (h/t TBR Football):

“Viktor Gyokeres is in very good form at the moment and is very good. 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.”

Gyokeres has started in nine out of his 10 appearances for Arsenal across competitions, helping them sit atop the Premier League table after seven games.


Alan Shearer explained what Arsenal players must do to help Viktor Gyokeres

Premier League's all-time top scorer Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on Arsenal's attacks this season. He believes that to make the most of striker Viktory Gyokeres, the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke need to deliver early crosses.

After the Gunners' 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at home on September 13, the former Newcastle United striker said on The Rest Is Football podcast:

“The key to getting the best out of Gyokeres is early balls into the box. It’s a really fine balance because you’ve got Eze and Madueke, part of their game and big strength is going past players and being brilliant at doing that. But I also think sometimes you don’t have to do it. The early ball kills defenders as well, and I think, that sometimes, is the brightest thing to do rather than beat players. “You saw that straight after half time, it was very similar yesterday, ball in behind and then first time into the box by Eze, one touch finish for Gyokeres. That’s what I think he’s going to thrive on,” he added.

Gyokeres has failed to register a goal contribution in his last six games across competitions for Arsenal. They will return to action on October 18 against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League.

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Aditya Singh

Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 4 years. He boasts a total experience of over 7 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya's journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur's front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect's with the club's underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda 'Long-form Editor of the Month' award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric's elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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