Evaluating Gyokeres' Gunners Start: Ten Games, 3 Goals

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Arsenal

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, but it has not been quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals in his first 4 games, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for six consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his hard work.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager planned him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted players and there is an argument to be made that the German might have started in place of Gyokeres during big away fixtures versus the Reds - Arsenal's only loss this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped squad training at Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who scored 97 times across 102 games for Sporting in his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player who was brought to the club to get the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games and showered compliments on the forward for his work which often goes under the radar when the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and commended his "work-rate".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Viktor Gyokeres' shot map this campaign

The North London club have changed their style this season to move possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play similar to the German, but whose strength is felt as making runs through both centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances the forward has received, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign as they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new approach aims to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred when Saka was already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory against West Ham while both were on the pitch, suggesting the English attacker could be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing extremely impressively," Saka stated post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's consistently providing his best each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not signs to show things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into circumstances sooner than possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager runner while consistently seeks out {space|g

Louis Garcia
Louis Garcia

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