Djurgarden dominated at Tele2 Arena in the opening game of the autumn season. The Norwegians Bo Hegland and Kristian Lien scored all three goals in the 3–0 win over Halmstad. The victory sends the side up to fourth in Allsvenskan, just four points behind Hammarby with two games in hand.

How the match was decided

Bo Hegland struck twice in the first half and his name echoed around the stadium throughout the game. Do you notice it when you play? Expressen asked him afterwards. – Of course you notice it when the ball goes out for a throw-in or at injuries. It’s incredibly fun. It means a lot to me, Hegland said.

In the second half, it was Kristian Lien who made it 3–0 with his eighth goal of the season. Djurgarden, who have now scored 26 goals this season, secured the win and climbed to fourth in Allsvenskan with 19 points from 11 games and a recent form of WWLLW. The side sits 13 points behind league leaders Sirius.

Why Hegland was celebrated

Hampus Finndell was called forward by the fans to lead the singing after the match. His teammate immediately started the Hegland chant. – He deserves more praise than he gets, Finndell said. – He’s an amazing player and I’m thrilled to play alongside him.

Kristian Lien joked: – If he keeps this up, he might take my spot… – No, he’s incredibly good. I’ve seen that since I arrived. We’ll see how long we get to keep him, the way he’s playing now.

How the Norwegians are feeling at Djurgarden

Bo Hegland is enjoying his role at Djurgarden. – It’s fun to play as the ’10’ in this team. I’ve got great players around me, and we play a style that suits me well. Right now, I’m loving every minute at Djurgarden, he said.

Assistant coach Daniel Stensson added that Hegland is exceptional. – What surprises me most is how humble he is despite everything he achieves. He works hard before and after training every single time. I truly wish him all the best.

Halmstad’s reaction

Stuart Baxter, Halmstad’s manager, was critical after the loss. – We can’t keep giving away cheap goals, especially against a team like Djurgarden, he said. Halmstad remain bottom with just six points and have conceded 15 goals this season.

Djurgarden now turn their focus to chasing Hammarby in the Allsvenskan top six. With 26 goals scored and 15 conceded, the side boasts an impressive goal difference of +11 and a strong start to the autumn stretch.