🔗 Share this article Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Beginning: Ten Matches, Three Scores The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning this season, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker. Following three goals during his first 4 matches, this £64m signing hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker a hug following the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his efforts. Game Minutes & Team Dynamics Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international. Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members while exists an argument to be made that Havertz might have started instead of the Swedish striker during important road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from. There is also the reality the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season before joining, and missed team training at his former club as he looked to secure a move to Arsenal. Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations However the Swedish international represents a win-now signing, that scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in two seasons at the Lisbon-based team. His drought in goals are not an issue as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete that was signed in to help the squad over the line while they try to win their initial trophy since 2020. Coach's Perspective & Team Integration The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort during the opening games and heaped compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go under the radar when the chance has presented to do so. Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised his "effort level". When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would create the space for the various offensive talents Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli. Statistical Breakdown The North London club have changed their style this season to move the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical. This is partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is considered as running between both centre-backs and into the space behind them. Observing the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may release the striker for opportunities. This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target with those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot. Tactical Changes & Team Backing Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to damage the opposition while playing quickly. The team are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances. One of Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced during the five-nil victory against United. The manager stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory against the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be first choice to take them this term. Teammate Support & Belief Saka, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive. "In my opinion Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham. "There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides us. "He represents a significant component why we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match." Upcoming Outlook for The Striker It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will get better. The striker started the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness after a disrupted pre-season. The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted. The striker represents a eager runner while constantly looks for {space|g