Viktor Gyökeres Responds to Criticism from Arsenal Legend

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has defended Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach following criticism from club legend Freddie Ljungberg, who expressed disappointment over the Gunners’ style of play in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

The Swedish forward, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in late July, was left isolated for much of the match at Anfield as Arsenal struggled to create chances. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning 83rd-minute free-kick sealed the win for the hosts, ending Arsenal’s perfect start to the season after victories over Manchester United and Leeds United.

Ljungberg’s Frustration

Speaking on Viaplay, Ljungberg lamented the lack of attacking ambition from Arteta’s side, saying he was “sad” to see Arsenal move away from the free-flowing, offensive football that once defined the club.

“It was beautiful football, it was offensive football, you were going for it, to win it,” Ljungberg said. “When I see a little bit of what I’ve seen today with Arsenal, to just minimise risk all the time… that is a little bit sad to see.”

While Ljungberg acknowledged Arteta’s right to implement his own philosophy, he urged fans to reserve judgment until the end of the season.

Gyökeres Hits Back

Gyökeres, currently away on international duty with Sweden, responded to the criticism in an interview with Sportbladet, suggesting that such comments are easier to make from the sidelines.

“It’s easy [to criticise] if you’re not on the pitch to say what you think and feel about a match,” he said. “We did well defensively and they didn’t get many chances. Then we would have liked to do even better offensively. It’s not easy to do every aspect perfectly every match.”

The striker, who scored twice against Leeds in his previous outing, remains confident in the team’s direction and believes Arsenal are well-positioned to challenge for silverware.

“We have an extremely good team. It’s about working hard and getting into it with the new players we have and making it work. We just have to continue on the same path.”

A Long Road to North London

Gyökeres also reflected on his protracted transfer from Sporting, which was delayed due to complications over a supposed gentleman’s agreement. The deal was eventually completed in time for pre-season, but the forward admitted the saga was emotionally taxing.

“It’s been tough. We waited a lot longer for a period,” he said. “Of course it could have ended better. It was nothing I could control.”

Looking Ahead

With the international break underway, Gyökeres is preparing for Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo. Arteta will be hoping his striker returns fit and firing for Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest in ten days’ time.

Despite the setback at Anfield, Arsenal remain third in the table and continue to build momentum with a revamped squad. Whether Arteta’s tactical blueprint will deliver the title remains to be seen—but Gyökeres is clearly backing the process.