Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Games, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the season, winning eight from their opening 10 games, but it's been less quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his first 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't scored in 6 consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned for, with the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted players while exists a case to be had suggesting the German might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during important road matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have a full summer preparation before joining, while skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to get the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their initial title after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's effort during the initial games and heaped compliments upon the forward for his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple offensive players the team possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' shot locations this season

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move possession through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, but whose strength is felt as making runs between the two defenders toward the space in behind.

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

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal from those chances across ten games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

Arsenal struggled to break down sides in a low block last season as they faded in the title race, so their new approach is designed to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create more chances.

Among the striker's three goals so far came from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's still giving his best each match."

Future Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show things will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover regarding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g

John Avila
John Avila

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring how innovation shapes society and daily life.