Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Matches, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker during play for the Gunners

Arsenal have made an impressive start this campaign, winning eight from their opening ten matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following three scores in his first four matches, the £64m signing has not scored in six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden forward an embrace after the weekend's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable players while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team sessions with his former club when he attempted to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times across one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't a problem since the team are winning currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the opening games while showered praise on the striker for his contributions which often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, existed an expectation his presence would open up opportunities for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's shot locations the current season

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is in part to get the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes like the German, rather his primary attribute is felt as running through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances across ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign when they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's 3 scores so far came from a spot-kick but that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were present on the field, suggesting the England winger could be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, who made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He remains up, he's still content while he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner while consistently seeks out {space|g

Lauren Larsen
Lauren Larsen

Award-winning photographer with a passion for capturing stunning landscapes and sharing practical advice for enthusiasts.