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

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, but it has not been quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his first four games, this £64m signing hasn't scored in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond the manager planned for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most reliable players while exists a case to be made suggesting the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker during big away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, and missed team sessions at Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who notched ninety-seven times in 102 games with Sporting during his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

His lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents a player who was brought to the club to get the squad over the line as they try to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition of the striker's work rate during the initial matches and heaped compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up opportunities for the multiple attacking talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's shot locations this season

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

This is partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, but his strength is felt as running between both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has merely mustered seven shots on target from those chances across 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded during the title race, so their new style aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far came from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 win over United.

Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, implying the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner and constantly seeks out {space|g

Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis

A seasoned real estate expert with over a decade of experience in the Dutch rental market, passionate about helping people find their perfect home.

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