Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive beginning this campaign, winning eight of their opening ten matches, however it's been less as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores during his first 4 matches, this expensive acquisition has not scored in 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most trusted players while exists an argument to be had that the German might have started in place of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who scored 97 times in one hundred two games for Sporting during two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete that was signed in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to win their first title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort during the initial games while showered praise on the striker regarding his work that can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking players the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map the current season

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play similar to the German, rather his primary attribute is considered as making runs between both defenders and into the space in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their revised approach aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

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

Among Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil win over Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the penalty in the win over the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

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

Gyokeres began the season playing to recover regarding his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

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

Jessica Harris
Jessica Harris

A seasoned market analyst with over a decade of experience in trend forecasting and data-driven strategies.