Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Games, 3 Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, however it's been less quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his first four matches, the £64m signing hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his contributions.

Playing Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be made that the German might have been selected instead of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who notched 97 times across 102 appearances for Sporting in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was brought in to get the team over the line as they try to win their first trophy since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the opening games and heaped praise upon the striker for his work which can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's shot locations this campaign

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to get possession through midfield faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, rather whose strength is considered to be making runs through the two defenders and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a low block last season when they faded in the title race, and their new style aims to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

One of the striker's 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the penalty during the win against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support and Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

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

Jennifer Moyer
Jennifer Moyer

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, bringing years of experience in digital media.