Analyzing Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Viktor Gyokeres in action for the Gunners

Arsenal have made a remarkable start to the season, securing victories in eight of their opening 10 matches, however it has not been as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial four games, the expensive signing has not scored in six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Hammers for his hard work.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be had suggesting the German might have been selected instead of Gyokeres during big away fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have a full pre-season prior to joining, while skipped team sessions at Sporting as he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that scored 97 times in 102 games with his previous club during two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His lack of goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to help the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort during the initial games and showered compliments upon the forward for his work which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple offensive players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The striker's attempt locations this season

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to move the ball through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to the German, but whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs between the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking to find the ball that could release the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides employing low block last season as they fell away in the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the pitch, suggesting the England winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Teammate Support & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy and he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show situations will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing runner and consistently looks for {space|g

Karen Harvey
Karen Harvey

A passionate writer and urban planner sharing expertise on community development and sustainable living in Australian suburbs.