Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, winning 8 of their opening ten matches, however it's been less quite as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores in his initial four matches, this expensive acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key players and there is a case to be had that Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to force through a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two games for Sporting in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is a player that was signed in to help the team across the finish line while they try to secure their first title since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while heaped praise on the forward regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession through midfield faster while have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper and link play like Havertz, rather his strength is felt as running through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that may free the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities the forward has had, but he has only mustered seven shots on target from those opportunities across ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block last season as they faded in the title race, so their new style aims to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted in the five-nil victory over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was the English international who took the penalty during the victory over West Ham when both were on the field, implying the English winger could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Support & Belief

Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka said after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations earlier than possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g