Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After three goals in his initial four games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net for 6 matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time and Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most trusted players while exists an argument to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of Gyokeres during important road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss of the campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete summer preparation before joining, and missed team sessions with Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals across 102 appearances with Sporting during two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is an athlete that was signed to the club to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the opening games while showered praise upon the forward for his work that can go under the radar when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's attempt map this campaign

Arsenal have altered their style this season to move the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt as making runs between both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances across 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but it was Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory over the Hammers when both were on the pitch, suggesting the English attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres started the season attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker represents a willing runner and consistently seeks out {space|g

Kyle Clark
Kyle Clark

A passionate iOS developer with over 8 years of experience, specializing in Swift and creating user-friendly apps.