Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first ten games, but it has not been quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his initial 4 games, this expensive signing hasn't scored in six matches, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 victory against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Time and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while exists an argument to be had that Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during important road fixtures against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team training at Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that scored 97 goals across one hundred two appearances with Sporting in two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the opening games while heaped praise on the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, existed an expectation his presence would create the space for the multiple offensive players the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot locations this season

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, but his primary attribute is felt to be running between the two defenders toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered seven shots on target with those chances in ten matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign when they fell away during the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the best penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka said after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will get improved.

The striker started the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g

Adam Harper
Adam Harper

A tech enthusiast and software developer with a passion for AI and emerging technologies, sharing practical insights and reviews.