Assessing Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a strong start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 of their first ten games, but it's been less as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

After 3 goals in his first four matches, this £64m acquisition hasn't found the net in six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil win over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable players while exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in big away fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have a full summer preparation before joining, and missed team sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 goals across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

His lack of goals aren't an issue since the team are winning at the moment, but he is a player who was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they try to win their first title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening games while showered compliments on the forward regarding his work that can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's shot map the current campaign

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt as making runs through both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style is designed to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores so far originated from the penalty spot however this occurred when Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the penalty during the victory over West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will get better.

The striker began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been placed into circumstances earlier than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g

Joshua Walker
Joshua Walker

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and digital culture.