Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, winning eight of their first 10 games, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores during his first four games, the expensive signing hasn't found the net for six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers for his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted players while there is a case to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have a full pre-season prior to arriving, while missed team sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games for Sporting in two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was signed in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to win their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the initial games and showered compliments on the striker for his work that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" while praised his "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map 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 become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes like the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered to be running between the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

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

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely mustered seven shots on target from those opportunities across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they fell away during the title race, and their new approach is designed to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving his best each match."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.

The striker began the campaign playing to recover with his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g

Connie West
Connie West

Tech enthusiast and digital lifestyle expert with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and sharing practical tech advice.