Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Start: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first 10 games, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals during his initial 4 matches, this £64m signing has not scored for 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers for his efforts.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond the manager planned him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be made that Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres during important away fixtures versus the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation prior to joining, and skipped team sessions with Sporting when he attempted to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that notched 97 times in 102 games with his previous club during two seasons with the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete that was brought in to get the team over the line while they try to win their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort during the opening games while showered compliments upon the striker regarding his work which can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and praised the player's "effort level".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's shot map this campaign

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper to link play like Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be running between the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that could free the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 chances the forward has received, however he has only managed seven shots on target from those opportunities across 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign as they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of the striker's three scores so far came from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced during the 5-0 win against United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty during the win against West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the English winger could be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He remains up, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will get better.

The striker started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a willing runner and constantly seeks out {space|g

Robert Hernandez
Robert Hernandez

A passionate food writer and home chef with a love for creating innovative dishes and sharing culinary adventures.