Assessing Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start this campaign, winning 8 from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his first 4 games, the £64m signing has not scored in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil win over West Ham for his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted squad members while there is an argument to be had suggesting the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important road matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker did not have complete summer preparation prior to joining, and missed squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times across 102 appearances for his previous club during his two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he is a player that was brought to the club to get the team over the line while they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while showered praise upon the striker for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would open up the space to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current season

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drop into midfield to link play similar to the German, but his primary attribute is felt to be making runs between the two centre-backs toward the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those chances across 10 matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, and their new approach aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

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

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil win over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the spot-kick in the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

Saka, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy and he's still giving his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.

The striker started the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g

Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and self-improvement, sharing experiences and knowledge.