Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Matches, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable start this season, securing victories in eight from their first 10 matches, however it's been less quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial four games, this expensive acquisition hasn't scored in 6 consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz might have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important away matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, and skipped squad sessions with his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact addition, who scored 97 goals in one hundred two games with his previous club during his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue as the team are winning at the moment, yet he is an athlete that was brought to the club to get the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's effort during the initial matches and showered praise on the forward for his work that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the striker's display "outstanding" while praised the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's attempt locations this season

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more vertical.

This represents in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and connect passes like Havertz, rather whose strength is felt to be making runs between both defenders and into the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered seven shots on target with those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to break down sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger had already been replaced in the five-nil victory against United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory against West Ham when both were on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a big part why we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting situations will get improved.

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

Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

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

Michael Evans
Michael Evans

Seasoned travel writer and cruise enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring North America's waterways.