The midfielder is not exactly known for being a seasoned goalscorer. In his senior career, which in addition to playing in AIK included seasons in Rostov, Sarpsborg and Caen, Anton Salétros has only managed 20 goals.
His 21 was something out of the ordinary.
The 27-year-old’s first Allsvenskan goal of the season was scored on a free kick – and what a free kick it was.
Salétros pulled with the left, curled the ball around Mjällby’s wall and into behind the chanceless goalkeeper Noel Törnqvist.
“Incredibly important”
— It was just a matter of aiming at one cross and getting a good hit. And I got that, he tells Discovery+ and talks about the importance of the hit in the club’s fight for an Allsvenskan contract.
— It is nice, especially when we are where we are, then all the goals are incredibly important.
The AIK player’s big celebration also showed the value of the goal in the battle for the bottom of the table.
He rushed towards the fans, stretched out his arms and slid a couple of meters on his knees before being embraced by jubilant teammates.
Salétro’s goal, which also accounted for five assists since his return last summer, was exactly what AIK needed in the home meeting with Mjällby.
The victory at the Friends arena was the team’s fourth in a row in front of the home fans – a total of six in a row without defeat – and provided important points in the fight for safe ground in the limping table.
After 26 rounds, AIK has 31 points, and is currently four points ahead of the Brommapojkarna who are in the qualifying position.
BP, who on Sunday receive Elfsborg at home at Grimsta IP.
In the at least equally important points battle at Örjans vall, between Halmstad and bottom rival Degerfors, it was goalless and the points shared – despite some post hits from the home team.
A result that was clearly the worst for Degerfors. The club is in the relegation zone, four points behind BP.