Analyzing Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Games, 3 Goals

The Swedish striker in action for the Gunners

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their opening ten matches, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores during his first 4 games, the £64m signing has not scored in six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta planned for, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players while exists a case to be made suggesting Havertz would have started instead of the Swedish striker during important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only loss of the season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have complete pre-season before joining, while missed team training with Sporting when he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Scoring History & Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven times in 102 games with his previous club in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of goals aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete that was signed in to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their first trophy after 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while heaped compliments on the striker regarding his contributions which often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's attempt map this campaign

Arsenal have altered their style this season to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes similar to the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be making runs through the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has had, however he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those chances in 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block last season as they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised approach aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger was already been replaced during the five-nil win against United.

The manager said Gyokeres is the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still up, he's still content and he's still providing his best each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g

John Barker
John Barker

An experienced digital marketer and e-commerce consultant with a passion for helping businesses thrive online through data-driven strategies.