Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Games, 3 Scores

Viktor Gyokeres during play for the Gunners

The Gunners have made an impressive start to the campaign, winning eight of their opening ten games, however it's been less as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After three scores in his first four games, this £64m acquisition has not found the net in 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be made suggesting the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in big away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full summer preparation prior to joining, while missed team sessions with Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, who scored 97 times in one hundred two appearances with his previous club in his two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he is an athlete who was brought in to help the team across the finish line while they try to secure their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's work rate during the opening games while showered compliments on the forward for his work that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive players Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Viktor Gyokeres' attempt locations the current season

The North London club have altered their style this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents partially to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt to be running through the two defenders and into the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 chances the forward has had, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target with those chances in ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season when they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil victory against United.

The manager said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the victory against the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

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

James Hanson
James Hanson

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