Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres started for Sweden in their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
Jon Dahl Tomasson has two elite centre-forwards at his disposal in the Gunners star and Alexander Isak, and he started both of them on Friday night.
However, despite their best efforts, Sweden suffered defeat after goals from former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi.
Gyokeres has come under criticism following his country’s loss.
Swedish media rate Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres’ performance vs Switzerland
Sweden’s attack looked mouthwatering on paper against Switzerland.
Viktor Gyokeres and Isak led the side, with Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yasin Ayari feeding them from midfield.
However, despite the brilliance of the two strikers, Sweden failed to find the back of the net, and that has severely dented their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
After the game, a couple of Swedish media outlets had their say on Gyokeres’ display. They were not happy.
Fotbollskanalen gave him a 1/5 rating and wrote: “Sweden needed Gyokeres at the top of his game in the important World Cup qualifying match. But he didn’t get it in crucial situations.
“Good opening pass in the deep to Bergvall, who found Isak, who hit the post. Then, a great reception and pass to Isak, who got free and passed to Bergvall, where it should have been 1-0.”
Svenska Fans also rated Gyokeres 1/5 and said: “The form has been swaying recently. I don’t really know what’s happened, but he doesn’t really seem to believe it right now. He feels so resigned and awkward.”
Who was worse – Viktor Gyokeres or Alexander Isak?
Arsenal and Liverpool are battling for the Premier League title this season, and Gyokeres and Isak will be key for their respective clubs.
The Gunners striker didn’t get much love from his country’s media for his performance on Friday night, but it was slightly better for Isak.
Fotbollskanalen gave the Liverpool striker a 2/5 rating and said: “Missed a huge chance when the ball hit the post. Nice run when he got free and selflessly passed to Bergvall and should have gotten an assist.”
Svenska Fans, however, kept it consistent and rated Isak 1/5. They wrote: “Today’s team captain. Ran on many balls. Had a shot in the post that was worth a better fate. Then won a duel and then came free at the end of the first act. However, did not succeed very often with his actions. “
The Swedish media are divided over who was better, but Sofascore settled it with their ratings – Gyokeres was scored 7.2/10 while Isak only got a 6.5/10.
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