Analyzing Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres during play for Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning this campaign, winning 8 of their first ten matches, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores in his initial four games, the £64m acquisition has not scored for six matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace after Saturday's two-nil win over West Ham for his hard work.

Game Time & Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key squad members while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss this season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped team sessions at his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 goals across one hundred two games with Sporting in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he represents a player who was signed to the club to help the squad over the line as they try to secure their first title after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening games while heaped compliments upon the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt map this campaign

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like the German, rather his primary attribute is felt as running between both defenders and into the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are attempting to find passes that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal from those opportunities across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents employing low block last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's three goals so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the five-nil victory against Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker represents the best penalty taker at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers when both were on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," Saka stated post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will become improved.

Gyokeres started the season playing catch-up with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

The striker represents a willing runner while constantly looks for {space|g

John Gray
John Gray

A frugal living enthusiast and personal finance blogger with over a decade of experience in money-saving techniques.