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

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start this season, securing victories in 8 of their first ten matches, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing has not found the net for six consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager planned for, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be made that the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in big road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have a full summer preparation before joining, while missed squad training at Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that scored 97 goals across one hundred two games with his previous club during two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue since the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to get the squad over the line as they try to secure their first trophy since 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of the striker's effort during the initial matches and heaped compliments on the forward regarding his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map this season

The North London club have altered their approach this season to get the ball between the lines faster and have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents in part to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs between both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season as they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

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

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the victory against West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

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

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting things will get better.

The striker began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and consistently looks for {space|g

Whitney Anderson
Whitney Anderson

A fiber artist and educator with over a decade of experience in traditional and modern weaving methods.