The Sweden international will be keen to play a key role in Arsenal’s title run‑in, with seven crucial league games still to come
Viktor Gyokeres knows he must now switch his focus back to Arsenal after helping Sweden qualify for the World Cup, scoring the 88th‑minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland on Tuesday night. The striker was in the right place at the right time to sweep in the decisive third goal.
But attention will now turn to Arsenal as he returns to north London, with Mikel Arteta’s side entering a crucial stretch in the build‑up to the final day of the season on May 24. Any slip‑up between now and then could prove costly in their bid to end their long Premier League title drought.
Manchester City remain nine points behind, though they have a game in hand against Crystal Palace. A win for Pep Guardiola’s side would cut the gap to six points and as football has shown time and again, even a strong advantage can evaporate quickly if Arsenal begin to drop points.
And that will require the Swede to stay sharp whenever chances come his way, as those moments could ultimately decide whether Arsenal clinch the title.
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Speaking after Sweden’s win, Gyokeres told Viaplay at the Strawberry Arena: “Regardless of whether you get a lot of balls or not, you try to be connected and present.
“That was me, especially at the end when we had some half-dangerous chances. We believed in it until the end and that is why we are in the World Cup.
“We believed in it until the end and that is why we are in the World Cup.”
That same mentality could easily apply to Arsenal and their Premier League ambitions. Just as Sweden’s persistence carried them over the line, Arsenal’s hopes will hinge on maintaining that same conviction in the decisive weeks ahead.
However, a potential blow could be their several injuries, but with the Premier League returning only on the weekend of April 11/12, Arteta will be hoping to welcome some players back.
England trio Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all left the national team camp early. Martin Zubimendi withdrew from the Spain squad due to a knee problem, while Ecuador released Piero Hincapie after he reportedly suffered a hamstring issue.
They join William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, who had already been ruled out of international duty.
Arsenal return to action in the FA Cup quarter‑finals with a trip to Southampton on Saturday (April 4), before heading to Lisbon to face Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Champions League next Tuesday (April 7).
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
