Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, winning eight of their first 10 games, but it's been less quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores during his initial 4 matches, this expensive acquisition has not found the net in six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Time and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be had that the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, while skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven times across one hundred two games for his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the initial games while heaped compliments upon the striker for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

Following of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".

When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities for the various attacking players the team have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's shot locations the current campaign

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to connect passes similar to the German, rather his strength is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that took the spot-kick during the win over West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," the Englishman said post-game with West Ham.

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

"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he's still content while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs suggesting situations will get better.

The striker started the season attempting catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker represents a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g

Andrea Campbell
Andrea Campbell

Luca is a seasoned real estate expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in Italian luxury properties and market trends.