Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning this campaign, winning 8 of their first ten matches, however it's been less quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial 4 matches, this £64m signing hasn't found the net in six consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable players and exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started in place of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss of the season - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season before joining, while skipped squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times in 102 games for his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he is a player that was brought in to get the team over the line while they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games and showered compliments on the striker regarding his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and praised his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current season

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to the German, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has only mustered seven shots on target with those chances across ten games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away in the title race, so their new style aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from the penalty spot but that was when the English winger had already been replaced during the 5-0 win against United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet it was the English international who took the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger could be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains positive, he continues to be content while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

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

Jessica Smith
Jessica Smith

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring how innovation impacts society and drives progress.