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

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign, securing victories in eight from their first ten matches, but it has not been as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After three goals in his first four games, this £64m acquisition hasn't scored in six matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Game Minutes and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's most trusted players while exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz might have started instead of Gyokeres during important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not undergo complete pre-season before joining, while missed squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move to Arsenal.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven goals in 102 appearances for his previous club during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't an issue since the team are winning currently, but he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while showered compliments upon the forward for his work which can go under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive players the team possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's shot map this season

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This is in part to get the best out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper and link play like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt as making runs between the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting for the ball that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a low block last season when they fell away during the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

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

One of the striker's 3 goals this season came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but it was Saka that took the spot-kick in the win against West Ham when both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger could be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be happy while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

The striker began the season attempting catch-up regarding his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a willing movement maker while consistently seeks out {space|g

Christopher Wright
Christopher Wright

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