MIKEL ARTETA was dreading this international break – but Arsenal’s trophy tilt has just been given a huge boost.
And it has come from the most unlikely source, too, in the shape of former boss .
Viktor Gyokeres scored a hat-trick as Sweden beat Ukraine on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
Gyokeres has impressed for Sweden under head coach Graham Potter
No fan could have imagined dishing out thanks to Potter at the start of the season, and the same goes for .
The striker, 27, could not get a kick under Potter when he was boss, but that is clearly all in the past.
The pair have been reunited after Potter was made head coach in October last year and there is no hint of bad blood.
Gyokeres is instead flying under Potter and scored in the semi-final of their World Cup play-off.
The striker’s goals have set up a showdown with Poland on Tuesday for a place at this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
And they have also given Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware a shot in the arm at just the right time.
The Gunners suffered heartbreak in the final last week, but they are nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Arteta’s side are also into the quarter-finals of both the and the , with a trip to Southampton in the latter taking place a week today.
Gyokeres being on fire for the final push would be massive for Arsenal, as the striker has had a mixed debut season since joining from last summer for £63.5million.
Thursday night will have done his confidence the world of good and Potter was blown away by what he saw.
The Sweden boss said: “Viktor’s performance was incredible.
“Outside of the goals – because to score a hat-trick is one thing – overall his hold-up play and his defensive responsibility for the team was part of an incredible performance.”
It is odd to hear Potter gushing about Gyokeres given he snubbed him during his time at Brighton.
Gyokeres spent two of his three-and-a-half years at the Amex working under Potter, but he never made a single Prem appearance.
The striker was loaned out three times before joining side Coventry in 2021 and working his way to the top.
Going to a first World Cup with Sweden this summer would complete that journey and Gyokeres is determined to get there.
He said: “This was an extremely important match, but now the Poland game is even bigger.
“I dream about the World Cup. The whole squad does. It’s the competition everyone dreams of playing in.
“Poland are in our way, so we have to do everything we can to beat them.”
Arteta will be hoping for more heroics from Gyokeres – and that he comes back to Arsenal fully fit.
Gyokeres has scored 16 goals for Arsenal during a mixed first season at Arsenal
Arsenal are fighting to win the Treble as the season enters the final two monthsCredit: Getty
The Gunners had five players withdraw from international duty with injuries earlier this week.
Arteta has stressed how he does not enjoy this break as it comes before a crucial part of the season.
Potter waving his magic wand on Gyokeres will be welcome, though, and it could help Sweden complete a remarkable turnaround.
The Swedes endured a nightmare qualifying campaign, failing to win a single game and finishing bottom of their group.
They snuck into the play-offs thanks to their Nations League position and are now 90 minutes away from the World Cup.
Potter’s contract was extended to 2030 earlier this month as Sweden believe he is the man to lead them forward, whatever happens in the play-offs.
Thursday night suggests that was the right call and Gyokeres led the celebrations by grabbing a megaphone to whip up the travelling fans.
The striker did his best to not get carried away and already has his eyes on Poland.
Asked if anything could top his hat-trick, Gyokeres said: “Right now? No. But it could be even better on Tuesday.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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