Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Games, Three Goals

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a remarkable start to the season, securing victories in 8 of their first 10 games, but it has not been as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his initial 4 games, the expensive signing has not found the net for six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham for his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key players while exists an argument to be had suggesting the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete summer preparation before arriving, and skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, that notched 97 times in one hundred two appearances with Sporting during two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to get the team over the line as they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the initial games and heaped praise upon the striker regarding his work which can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's attempt locations this season

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This is in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, but his strength is felt to be running between the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that may release the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal from those chances across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a low block last season as they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three scores so far originated from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the five-nil victory against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka who took the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker represents a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g

David Rose
David Rose

A passionate writer and mindfulness coach dedicated to helping others find peace and purpose through practical advice and shared experiences.