Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Games, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in 8 of their first ten matches, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores during his initial four matches, this £64m signing has not scored for six consecutive games, as head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members while exists an argument to be made suggesting the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season before arriving, and missed team training with Sporting when he looked to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that scored 97 times in 102 appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue as the team are winning currently, but he represents a player who was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line while they try to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the opening matches and heaped compliments on the forward for his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the striker's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would create the space to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations this campaign

The North London club have changed their style this season to get the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be making runs between the two defenders toward the space behind them.

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

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

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing low block last season as they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their new style is designed to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 goals so far originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil win against Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the win over the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, who made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators to show things will become better.

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

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

Gary Lynn
Gary Lynn

A seasoned IT consultant with over a decade of experience in cybersecurity and cloud computing, passionate about helping businesses innovate securely.