Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Matches, Three Scores

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have made an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in eight from their opening ten matches, however it's been less as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After three goals during his initial four matches, this £64m acquisition has not scored in six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first ten matches - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players and exists a case to be had suggesting the German would have started instead of Gyokeres in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation before arriving, while skipped squad training with Sporting as he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring History and Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, that notched ninety-seven times in 102 games with Sporting during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was brought to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they try to win their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening games and showered praise on the forward regarding his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's shot map the current season

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines more quickly and have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This is in part to extract the best from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs between the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are looking to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has merely managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents employing low block last season as they faded during the title race, so their new approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

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

Among the striker's 3 scores so far came from a spot-kick however this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted in the 5-0 win against Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the penalty in the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

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

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's still providing his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get better.

Gyokeres started the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

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

Alex Ward
Alex Ward

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring cutting-edge innovations and sharing practical advice for everyday users.