Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Matches, Three Scores

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

Arsenal have made an impressive beginning to the season, winning eight of their first ten matches, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals in his initial four matches, the ÂŁ64m acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, as manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his efforts.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager planned for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key players while exists an argument to be made suggesting the German would have started in place of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while missed squad training at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances for his previous club during two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player who was signed in to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their first trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's effort in the opening games while showered praise upon the striker regarding his work that often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the striker's display "outstanding" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's attempt map the current season

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to connect passes like the German, but his strength is felt as making runs between the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for passes that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, and their revised approach aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 scores this season came from the penalty spot however this occurred when Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory over United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker might be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy while he's still giving his best every game."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will get better.

The striker started the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner and constantly seeks out {space|g

Christopher Cruz
Christopher Cruz

A passionate curator and writer with a keen eye for unique products and subscription trends, sharing insights and reviews.