Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Games, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, however it hasn't proven as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores in his first four games, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for 6 consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key players while there is an argument to be made suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during big road fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and skipped squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 times in 102 games with Sporting in his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals are not an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought in to get the squad across the finish line as they attempt to secure their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the initial matches and heaped compliments upon the forward regarding his work that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" and commended his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create the space to benefit the various offensive talents the team possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's attempt locations this season

Arsenal have changed their style this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather his strength is felt to be making runs between both defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for the ball that could release the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those chances in ten matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international who took the penalty during the victory over the Hammers when both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger might be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will get improved.

Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being placed into circumstances earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

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

Harry Conley
Harry Conley

Digital strategist and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in content creation and trend analysis.