Assessing Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

Arsenal have made a strong start to the campaign, winning 8 from their first 10 matches, however it's been less as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial four games, this £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes and Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key players while exists an argument to be had suggesting the German might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full summer preparation prior to joining, and missed squad sessions with his former club as he looked to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that notched ninety-seven times in 102 appearances for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in goals aren't an issue as the team are winning currently, but he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches and heaped praise on the striker for his work which can go unnoticed when the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space for the multiple attacking players the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current campaign

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adapted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt as running between the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for passes that may free the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances in 10 games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down sides in a low block previous campaign as they faded in the title race, and their revised approach aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from the penalty spot but that was when Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against United.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that took the penalty during the win against West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't indicators to show things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing runner and consistently seeks out {space|g

Courtney Martinez
Courtney Martinez

A seasoned gaming enthusiast and writer with a passion for reviewing online casinos and sharing strategies for players.