Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Matches, Three Goals

Viktor Gyokeres in action for the Gunners

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, winning 8 from their opening 10 games, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition has not scored in six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham for his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and there is a case to be made that Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres in important road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't undergo complete summer preparation prior to joining, and missed team training at Sporting when he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that notched ninety-seven times in 102 games for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

His drought in scoring are not an issue as the team are securing victories currently, but he is a player who was signed to the club to get the squad over the line as they try to secure their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening matches and heaped praise upon the striker for his work that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map the current season

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drop deeper to link play similar to the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be running through the two defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing defensive setup last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new 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 3 scores this season originated from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international who took the penalty in the win over West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the English winger could be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Support and Confidence

Saka, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will become better.

The striker started the season playing to recover regarding his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager runner and constantly seeks out {space|g

Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones

A certified financial planner with over a decade of experience in wealth management and investment strategies.

Popular Post