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

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

The Gunners are experiencing a strong beginning to the campaign, winning 8 of their opening ten games, but it's been less as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores in his initial 4 games, this expensive acquisition has not scored in six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden forward a hug following the weekend's 2-0 victory against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while there is an argument to be made that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker during important road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, while skipped team sessions with Sporting when he looked to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player that was signed in to help the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games while showered praise upon the striker for his contributions which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed an expectation his presence would open up opportunities for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current campaign

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move the ball through midfield faster while have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper to connect passes like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt as making runs between both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those chances in ten matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded during the title race, so their new approach is designed to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory against West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing extremely well," Saka said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's still providing his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the season playing to recover with his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g

Jeremy Silva
Jeremy Silva

A mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find balance and joy in their daily lives through simple, effective practices.