Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker during play for the Gunners

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable start this season, winning 8 from their first 10 games, however it's been less quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores in his first 4 games, the £64m signing has not found the net for 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Time & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have been selected in place of Gyokeres during big away matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped team training at his former club as he looked to secure a transfer to north London.

Scoring Record and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who scored 97 goals in one hundred two games with his previous club in his two seasons with the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player who was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches and showered praise upon the striker for his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The striker's attempt locations this campaign

The North London club have changed their approach this season to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities in ten matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the title race, and their new style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 goals so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger had already been substituted in the five-nil victory over United.

The manager said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but it was Saka that took the spot-kick during the win over West Ham while both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger might be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," Saka said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get better.

The striker began the season playing catch-up regarding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

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

Christopher Lee DDS
Christopher Lee DDS

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast dedicated to sharing innovative ideas and practical advice for a better life.