Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Games, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, winning 8 of their opening 10 matches, however it has not been as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his first 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't found the net in six matches, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace after the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most reliable players and exists a case to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of Gyokeres during big road fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while missed team training at his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring Record and Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who scored 97 goals across one hundred two games with Sporting during two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is a player that was brought in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first trophy after 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while heaped praise on the forward for his work which often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would create opportunities for the multiple offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map the current season

Arsenal have altered their style this season to move the ball through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes like the German, but his strength is felt to be running between both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those chances across 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing defensive setup last season as they fell away during the title race, and their revised style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

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

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the English winger could be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing extremely well," Saka stated after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still up, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show situations will get better.

The striker began the season playing to recover regarding his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being placed into circumstances earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked have been highlighted.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g

Matthew Garcia
Matthew Garcia

Tech enthusiast and futurist with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape society and drive progress.