Analyzing Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

The Gunners are experiencing a strong start this season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his first 4 games, the expensive signing has not found the net in six consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 win against West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted squad members while exists an argument to be had that the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres during important away fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, while missed squad training with his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored 97 times across one hundred two appearances with his previous club in two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort during the opening matches and heaped praise upon the forward regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map the current campaign

The North London club have changed their approach this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, but whose strength is felt as running between the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find passes that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, however he has only managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, so their new approach is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 win against Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will become better.

The striker started the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed have been highlighted.

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

Timothy Smith
Timothy Smith

A seasoned entrepreneur and business consultant with over a decade of experience in helping startups thrive.