Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Matches, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning to the campaign, winning 8 from their first 10 matches, however it has not been as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his initial 4 games, the £64m signing has not found the net for six consecutive games, as head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his efforts.

Game Time and Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - more than the manager initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members and exists an argument to be made that the German would have started instead of Gyokeres during important away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have complete pre-season prior to arriving, while missed team training with his former club as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven goals in 102 appearances for Sporting during two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he is a player who was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they try to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches while heaped compliments upon the forward regarding his work which often goes under the radar when the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while praised the player's "effort level".

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

Numerical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map this season

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes like the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered to be running between both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are attempting to find the ball that could free the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has had, however he has only mustered seven shots on target with those chances in 10 games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing low block last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

Arsenal are also crossing the ball more regularly to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 scores so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the win against West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support & Belief

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he gives us.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content and he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g

Shelby Brooks
Shelby Brooks

A seasoned real estate expert specializing in luxury properties in Italy, with over 15 years of experience in the Capri market.