Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Games, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this season, winning eight from their opening ten matches, but it has not been as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his first 4 games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted squad members and there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact the striker did not have complete pre-season prior to joining, and missed team sessions with his former club when he looked to force through a transfer toward north London.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that notched 97 times in 102 appearances for Sporting in two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in goals are not an issue since the team are winning currently, yet he represents a player that was signed to the club to help the squad over the line as they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the opening games while showered praise on the striker regarding his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space for the multiple offensive talents the team have behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map the current campaign

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper to link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is considered as making runs between the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season when they fell away in the title race, so their new style is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

One of the striker's 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the win over the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England winger might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

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

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he's still content while he's consistently giving his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs suggesting things will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker represents a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g

Joshua Alvarez
Joshua Alvarez

A certified financial planner with over a decade of experience in personal finance and budgeting strategies.