Arsenal proved right again as Gyokeres struggles on international duty

Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres had a forgettable outing during Sweden’s Nations League draw against Slovakia on the road on Friday night.

The 26-year-old had a fantastic start to the campaign with 14 goals and five assists in his first ten games for club and country.

However, he has struggled to replicate his form over the past four outings, scoring just one goal from the penalty spot.

The Sporting CP striker recently struggled against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

He failed to register a single shot on or off target, made just 14 successful passes and lost possession on 16 occasions.

Gyokeres had another difficult outing in Slovakia yesterday, where he was guilty of missing four big chances over 90 minutes.

He won just two of eight duels in the game and lost possession 12 times. He failed to complete any of his three dribbles attempted.

The former Coventry City striker has been linked with some of Europe’s elite clubs and Arsenal were reportedly interested.

The Gunners eventually informed Sporting that they were not prepared to pay his £84 million release clause before the deadline.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar’s decision to avoid Gyokeres looks shrewd based on his recent performances.

Gyokeres now has the pressure of expectations after a sensational debut season with 43 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

He is most likely to be judged by how he performs in the Champions League, particularly against better opposition on the road.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.