Evaluating Gyokeres' Gunners Start: Ten Matches, Three Scores

The Swedish striker during play for the Gunners

The Gunners are experiencing a strong beginning this campaign, winning eight from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven quite as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores in his first four games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists a case to be made that Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres during important road fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, while missed team sessions with his former club when he looked to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, who scored 97 goals in one hundred two games for Sporting during two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents a player that was brought in to get the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's effort during the initial matches and heaped praise upon the striker for his work that can go unnoticed when the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create opportunities for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current season

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession through midfield faster while have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play similar to the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be running between the two defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the title race, and their revised approach aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 goals so far originated from the penalty spot however that was at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the five-nil win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the victory over West Ham when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He's a big part why we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show things will get better.

The striker began the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g

Steven Fisher
Steven Fisher

A seasoned business consultant with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and digital transformation.