Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres in action for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning this season, winning eight from their first 10 matches, but it has not been quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores during his first four matches, the expensive signing hasn't found the net in six matches, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while there is an argument to be had that the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during big road fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not undergo complete pre-season before arriving, and skipped team training with his former club when he looked to secure a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that notched 97 goals across 102 appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is a player who was signed in to get the team over the line while they attempt to secure their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the initial games while heaped praise on the forward regarding his work that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities for the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The striker's attempt locations this season

The North London club have altered their approach this season to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, but whose strength is felt as running through both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking to find the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those chances across ten games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three scores so far originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil win against United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty during the win over West Ham when both were on the field, implying the England attacker could be first choice for penalties this term.

Teammate Support and Confidence

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still content while he's consistently giving his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.

The striker began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g

Steven Galvan
Steven Galvan

A seasoned financial analyst with over a decade of experience in UK accounting and a passion for simplifying complex financial concepts.

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