Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Start: Ten Games, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning to the campaign, winning eight from their first ten games, but it's been less quite as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores in his initial 4 matches, this £64m signing hasn't scored for six consecutive games, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug following Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players and there is an argument to be made suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have complete summer preparation prior to joining, and missed team sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who notched 97 goals in 102 games with his previous club in his two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player that was signed in to get the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration

Arteta has shown an appreciation of Gyokeres' work rate during the opening matches while showered praise on the striker for his contributions which often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed an expectation his presence would open up the space for the multiple attacking players Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's attempt locations this season

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play like the German, rather his primary attribute is considered to be making runs through both defenders and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has only mustered seven shots on target from those chances across 10 matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the penalty in the victory against the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will get improved.

The striker began the season attempting catch-up with his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

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Bailey Herrera
Bailey Herrera

Travel enthusiast and car rental expert with over a decade of experience in the Venice tourism industry.