Arsenal and Liverpool strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak were strongly criticised following Sweden’s 2-0 loss to Switzerland in World Cup qualifying.
Sweden’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup hang by a thread after Friday night’s defeat in Stockholm, which leaves them bottom of Group B with one point from three games.
Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi got the goals for the Swiss, but it was another night to forget for Gyokeres and Isak who both failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Isak notably hit the post from a few yards out in the first-half, while Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall was also booed by fans after missing from point-blank range after being teed up by the Liverpool No.9.
Unsurprisingly, Swedish media did not take kindly to their national team’s performance, with Gyokeres, whom Arsenal signed over the summer for £63million, getting the worst treatment.
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Fotbollskanalen gave the 27-year-old a 1/5 rating, saying: ‘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 gave him the same rating, adding: ‘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.’
Gyokeres has not hit the ground running in north London, scoring three times in his first 10 appearances and going largely anonymous in Arsenal’s big clashes against Liverpool and Manchester City.
This game marked the first time this season that Isak has completed 90 minutes having arrived at Anfield unfit after going on strike at Newcastle to force his British record £125m transfer.
The 26-year-old has certainly not lived up to the hype so far, with his only goal coming against second-tier Southampton in the Carabao Cup, with fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike outshining him.
Captaining Sweden for the first time, he was given a slightly better 2/5 review by Fotbollskanalen: ‘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.’
However, Svenska Fans were scathing with a 1/5 rating: ‘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.’
Sweden must be faultless in their remaining qualifying games if they wish to stand any chance of reaching next summer’s tournament in North America, starting with Monday’s clash against Kosovo.
Following the international break, Gyokeres’ Arsenal travel to Fulham on October 18 and the next day, Isak will be hoping to get his first Premier League goal for Liverpool when they take on arch-rivals Manchester United.
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