Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Start: Ten Games, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a remarkable beginning to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening ten games, but it has not been as easy for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals during his initial 4 games, the expensive acquisition hasn't scored for six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug following the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham for his efforts.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable squad members while there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped squad training at his former club as he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, that notched ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals are not an issue as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he is a player that was signed to the club to get the team over the line as they try to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the opening games and heaped praise on the striker regarding his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while praised his "effort level".

When the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's shot locations this season

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to get possession between the lines faster and have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is considered to be running between both defenders toward the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target with those opportunities in ten matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time the English winger was already been replaced in the 5-0 win over United.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that took the spot-kick during the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Viktor's playing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not signs to show situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a eager runner and consistently seeks out {space|g

Jasmine Silva DVM
Jasmine Silva DVM

A seasoned legal journalist with over a decade of experience covering court cases and legislative changes.