Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Matches, Three Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

The Gunners have made a strong beginning to the campaign, winning eight of their first 10 matches, however it hasn't proven as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores during his initial 4 matches, the £64m acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Game Minutes and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players and there is an argument to be had that Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres in important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season before arriving, and skipped team training with his former club when he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games with Sporting in two seasons at the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to get the squad over the line while they try to win their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' effort during the initial games and showered praise upon the striker regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple offensive talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's attempt locations this season

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper to connect passes similar to the German, rather his strength is considered as running between both defenders toward the space behind them.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has had, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of the striker's 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka had already been replaced during the 5-0 win over United.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty in the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still giving his best every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will get improved.

The striker started the campaign attempting catch-up with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been placed into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker is a willing runner while constantly looks for {space|g

David Carter
David Carter

A seasoned gambling enthusiast and writer, sharing years of experience in lottery strategies and casino game insights.