Sweden suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in their World Cup qualifier yesterday.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side are at the bottom of their qualifying group after four games following the loss.
Despite dominating possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing just four shots on target.
Viktor Gyokeres started alongside Alexander Isak upfront. The Arsenal striker had a forgettable evening.
The 27-year-old had not scored in his previous seven games for club and country, and his streak continued.
Gyokeres had 35 touches and completed 15 out of 18 passes. He managed just a solitary shot on target over 90 minutes.
The Swede lost possession on 12 occasions, winning just one of six duels contested. He committed a couple of fouls.
Sweden’s defeat sees them at the bottom of their qualifying group with one point, six adrift of second-placed Kosovo.
They can still secure the second spot by winning their final two games if Kosovo lose theirs.
However, there also needs to be a six-goal difference swing in their favour, which seems unlikely to happen.
Sweden could still make the play-offs as one of the top-ranked Nations League group winners, who don’t make the top two.
The top four in that table will qualify, and Sweden are currently third.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres’ current run of form is a cause for concern for manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the season restart.
The striker has been unlucky in front of goal in recent weeks. He was denied a clear-cut penalty at Newcastle United.
Against Olympiacos, he unfortunately hit the woodwork before Gabriel Martinelli had an easy tap-in to open the scoring.
Arsenal have a potentially winnable league schedule with Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland to face in the next four games.
Gyokeres has been an undisputed starter upfront with Kai Havertz injured. Mikel Merino has not started as a number nine in the league this term.
The Swede needs to end his goalless streak sooner rather than later, or the manager may contemplate starting with Merino up top.
Stats from Sofascore.com
