Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: Ten Games, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive beginning this season, winning 8 from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After three goals in his initial four matches, this £64m signing hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug following the weekend's two-nil win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Time and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted players and exists a case to be made suggesting the German might have started in place of Gyokeres during big road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not have a full pre-season before joining, and missed squad sessions at Sporting as he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that notched ninety-seven times across one hundred two appearances with his previous club in his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete that was brought in to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their first title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches and showered compliments on the striker regarding his work that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he called the striker's display "outstanding" while praised his "work-rate".

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents the team possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map the current campaign

Arsenal have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt to be making runs between the two defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal from those chances across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new approach aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 win against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will get better.

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in him being placed into situations sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker represents a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g

Logan Yates
Logan Yates

A professional organizer and storage expert with over a decade of experience in helping UK homeowners achieve clutter-free living spaces.