Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

The Gunners have made an impressive beginning this campaign, winning eight of their opening ten games, however it hasn't proven as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his first 4 matches, this £64m acquisition has not scored in 6 matches, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started in place of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss this campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, and skipped team training at Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games for his previous club in two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of goals are not a problem as the team are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to get the team over the line while they try to win their first trophy since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches and showered compliments upon the forward regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would create the space for the various attacking players Arsenal possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The striker's shot map the current season

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield to link play like Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs between both defenders and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting for the ball that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka had already been replaced during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international who took the penalty during the win against West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the English winger could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy and he's still giving his best each match."

Future Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing to recover with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has meant him being thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

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

Troy Ferrell
Troy Ferrell

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.

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