Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: Ten Games, Three Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, however it has not been as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his first four games, this £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug following the weekend's two-nil win over the Hammers for his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have started instead of the Swedish striker in important away matches against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season before joining, while missed squad sessions at his former club when he looked to secure a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two games with his previous club in two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete who was brought in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches and showered praise on the striker regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current campaign

Arsenal have altered their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play like Havertz, rather whose strength is felt to be running between both defenders and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances the forward has had, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments & Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a low block previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, and their revised style is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among the striker's 3 scores so far came from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's still providing his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.

The striker began the season playing to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker is a eager runner while consistently looks for {space|g

Ruth Martin
Ruth Martin

A tech enthusiast and web developer with over 10 years of experience in helping beginners build their first websites affordably.