Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker during play for the Gunners

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, winning eight from their opening ten games, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals in his first four matches, the £64m signing hasn't scored in 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham for his efforts.

Game Time and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while exists an argument to be made that the German would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during important away fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo a full pre-season before joining, and missed team training with his former club as he attempted to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

His drought in scoring are not an issue as Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he represents a player who was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening matches and heaped compliments on the striker for his work that often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create the space for the multiple attacking players the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map this season

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, rather his strength is considered to be making runs between both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that could release the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign as they faded during the title race, and their new approach is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of the striker's three scores this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the penalty during the win against the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger might be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy and he's still giving his best every game."

Future Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g

Laura Ramos
Laura Ramos

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing innovative ideas and personal experiences to inspire others.