Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres in action for the Gunners

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive beginning this season, securing victories in 8 from their opening ten games, however it's been less as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores during his initial 4 games, the £64m signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager planned for, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players while there is an argument to be had suggesting the German might have started in place of Gyokeres during big away matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not have a full pre-season prior to joining, while missed team training at his former club when he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

However Gyokeres represents a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games with his previous club in two seasons with the Portuguese club.

His lack of scoring are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he is a player that was signed to the club to help the team over the line while they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the opening matches and showered praise on the forward regarding his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" while praised his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current season

Arsenal have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents partially to get the best from Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield and link play like the German, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs through the two defenders toward the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances the forward has had, however he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup last season as they fell away in the title race, so their revised style aims to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

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

Among the striker's 3 scores this season originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick during the victory over West Ham when both were on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Support and Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

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

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

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

Kayla Carpenter
Kayla Carpenter

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.