Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, Three Scores

The Swedish striker in action for Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable beginning to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals in his first four games, this £64m signing has not scored for six consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key players and exists an argument to be had that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker in big road matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation before joining, while missed team sessions with his former club as he looked to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he is an athlete who was signed in to help the team over the line as they attempt to win their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' effort during the initial matches while heaped praise upon the forward for his contributions that can go unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he described the striker's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his inclusion would create the space for the multiple offensive players Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The striker's shot map this season

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents in part to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play like the German, but his strength is felt as making runs between both defenders toward the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances in 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's 3 scores so far originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil win against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty during the victory over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the England winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

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

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into circumstances earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner while consistently looks for {space|g

Jeffrey Ward
Jeffrey Ward

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and odds analysis.