Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning to the campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten matches, however it has not been as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his first 4 matches, the £64m signing hasn't scored in six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key players and exists an argument to be made that the German might have started instead of Gyokeres in important road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, while missed team training with his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who scored 97 times in one hundred two appearances for Sporting in two seasons at the Portuguese team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents a player who was brought in to help the squad across the finish line while they try to win their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial games and showered compliments on the forward regarding his contributions which can go under the radar when the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create opportunities for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's shot map the current season

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines faster while have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play similar to Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be running between the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those chances in 10 matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they faded during the title race, and their revised approach is designed to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil win against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international that took the spot-kick during the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still giving his best every game."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a willing runner while constantly seeks out {space|g

Jacqueline Garner
Jacqueline Garner

A passionate food blogger and snack enthusiast with years of experience in culinary arts and deal hunting.