Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a strong start to the campaign, winning 8 of their opening 10 games, but it's been less as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals during his initial 4 matches, this expensive signing hasn't scored for 6 consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than the manager initially intended him to play, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of Arteta's most trusted squad members while exists a case to be made that Havertz might have started in place of Gyokeres in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation before joining, and skipped squad sessions at his former club as he looked to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, who scored 97 times in one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

His drought in scoring are not an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was signed in to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches while showered compliments on the forward regarding his work that often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map the current campaign

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adapted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield to connect passes like the German, but his strength is considered to be making runs through both defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, however he has merely mustered seven shots on target with those chances across 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents employing low block last season when they fell away in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of the striker's 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger had already been substituted in the five-nil victory over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, but it was Saka who took the penalty in the win over the Hammers when both were on the pitch, implying the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy while he's still providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a eager movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g

John Harper
John Harper

A passionate music journalist and cultural critic with a keen eye for emerging trends in the UK's dynamic arts scene.