Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start this season, winning eight of their first 10 games, but it hasn't proven as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals in his first four games, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager planned for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most trusted players and there is an argument to be made that Havertz would have started instead of the Swedish striker during important away fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and missed team training at his former club when he attempted to secure a move toward north London.

Scoring History & Anticipations

However Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that notched 97 times in 102 appearances with Sporting in two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals are not an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial trophy after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's effort in the initial matches while showered praise on the forward regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" while commended his "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the various attacking players the team have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's shot map this season

The North London club have changed their style this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes similar to the German, rather his strength is felt as running through both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, but he has merely mustered seven attempts on goal from those chances across 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a low block last season as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three scores so far came from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the English winger could be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not signs suggesting situations will get better.

The striker began the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

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

The striker is a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g

Karen Jackson
Karen Jackson

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, bringing over a decade of experience in digital media and storytelling.