Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, Three Goals

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable start to the campaign, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, however it has not been quite as easy for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 goals in his first 4 games, the expensive acquisition has not found the net for six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish forward a hug following the weekend's two-nil win over West Ham for his hard work.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue to 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 and there is a case to be had that Havertz might have started instead of the Swedish striker in big road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo a full pre-season before arriving, and missed squad training at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is an athlete that was signed to the club to get the team across the finish line while they try to win their initial trophy since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the initial games and heaped praise upon the striker regarding his work which often goes under the radar when the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while commended the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would create opportunities for the multiple offensive talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot locations the current campaign

The North London club have altered their style this season to get the ball through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the best from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs between the two defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find passes that may free the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger was already been substituted in the 5-0 win against Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club in an interview with the sports network, yet it was Saka who assumed the penalty in the win over West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will get improved.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant he has been placed into circumstances sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker while consistently seeks out {space|g

Rachel Garcia
Rachel Garcia

A passionate rhythm game enthusiast and content creator, sharing insights and updates on Muse Dash and other music-based games.