Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, Three Goals

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign, securing victories in eight from their first ten games, however it has not been as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores in his first four games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net in six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players and exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz might have started in place of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team training with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record and Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who notched 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting in his two seasons at the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the initial matches and showered compliments upon the forward regarding his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised the player's "effort level".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create opportunities for the various offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot locations this season

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered as making runs through the two centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 games, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three goals so far came from a spot-kick but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil win over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international who assumed the spot-kick during the win over West Ham when both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger might be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting things will get improved.

The striker began the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

The striker is a willing movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g

Christina Young
Christina Young

A passionate historian and travel writer specializing in Italian cultural heritage and preservation efforts.