Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Games, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

Arsenal have made an impressive beginning this campaign, winning 8 of their first 10 games, however it has not been as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his first four matches, this expensive signing has not found the net for 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Sweden forward an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his hard work.

Game Time and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond the manager planned for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key players while exists a case to be had suggesting the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team training with his former club when he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that scored 97 goals in 102 games with Sporting during two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was signed in to get the squad across the finish line as they try to win their initial trophy after 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches while showered compliments on the forward regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" while praised the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the various attacking players Arsenal possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's attempt map this campaign

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, but his primary attribute is considered to be making runs through the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for passes that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has had, however he has merely managed seven shots on target with those chances in ten matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's 3 scores so far originated from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger had already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview with the sports network, yet it was the English international that assumed the spot-kick in the win against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England winger might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will get better.

The striker started the season attempting to recover with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being thrust into circumstances sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker is a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g

Joseph Jones
Joseph Jones

Tech enthusiast and home automation expert with over a decade of experience in IoT and smart home systems.