Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, Three Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, winning 8 of their opening ten games, but it's been less as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his first four matches, the expensive signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members and exists a case to be made that the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important away fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before arriving, and missed team sessions at his former club when he looked to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

But Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games with Sporting in his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is a player who was signed to the club to help the team over the line as they attempt to win their first title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition of Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches and showered praise upon the striker regarding his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

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

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would create the space for the various attacking talents the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map this season

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop into midfield and link play like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt to be running through the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that may release the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target with those chances across 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing low block last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach aims to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores this season originated from the penalty spot however that was when Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that took the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this term.

Teammate Support & Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the season playing to recover regarding his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker represents a willing runner while consistently looks for {space|g

Tammy Smith
Tammy Smith

A passionate football journalist with over 10 years of experience covering Italian football and Serie B teams.