Arsenal’s season has begun in fine fashion, with eight wins from their first ten Premier League games positioning Mikel Arteta’s men among the early title contenders. Yet, amidst the celebrations, one subplot continues to draw attention — the form of new £64 million striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish international, signed from Sporting CP after two prolific seasons in Portugal, has found the net just three times in ten appearances. His tally includes a brace against Leeds United and a goal versus Nottingham Forest, but he has since gone six games without scoring. While Arsenal continue to find ways to win, the expectation around Gyokeres as the team’s new attacking spearhead has naturally raised questions.
Manager Mikel Arteta, however, remains publicly supportive. Following Arsenal’s recent 2–0 victory over West Ham, the Spaniard revealed he gave Gyokeres a “hug” for his tireless performance. It’s clear that, while the goals may not yet be flowing, his work rate and tactical discipline have earned his manager’s appreciation.
Fitness, Rotation, and Tactical Adjustment
One major factor in Gyokeres’ slow adaptation is circumstance. The 27-year-old joined Arsenal late in the summer and did not complete a full pre-season, having missed team training at Sporting to force through his move. That lack of preparation has affected his rhythm and match sharpness in a demanding league where pace and precision are crucial.
Additionally, Arteta has been forced to rely heavily on Gyokeres due to Kai Havertz’s knee injury, which limited the manager’s ability to rotate his attacking options. Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal’s opening ten fixtures — far more than initially planned. There’s even reason to believe Havertz would have started some of the tougher away games, such as those against Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United.
Despite these challenges, Gyokeres continues to feature prominently in Arsenal’s evolving system. Arteta’s new approach — quicker transitions and more direct forward passes — is designed to maximize the Swede’s strengths: running between defenders, exploiting space behind the backline, and stretching compact defences.
A Striker’s Role Beyond Goals
While the numbers may suggest a struggle, Arsenal’s attacking players and coaching staff have repeatedly highlighted Gyokeres’ off-ball contribution. Arteta has described his performances as “exceptional,” particularly his ability to press, occupy defenders, and create space for others.
Bukayo Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance in the win over West Ham, echoed that sentiment. “Viktor’s playing really, really well,” Saka said. “What he brings to this team — how he holds the ball, how he makes runs, the threat he gives us — we’re grateful. His goals will come; we believe in him.”
The numbers support that Gyokeres is actively involved in Arsenal’s buildup. He has registered 23 chances so far, though only seven shots have been on target. This illustrates his involvement in play and his continued search for sharpness in front of goal. Even when he doesn’t score, his presence is helping Arsenal’s creative core — Ødegaard, Eze, Saka, and Martinelli — find more space and attacking angles.
Arsenal Tactical Tweaks and the Penalty Puzzle
Another subtle storyline in Gyokeres’ early months at Arsenal involves penalties. Arteta previously stated in an interview with ESPN Brazil that Gyokeres is the club’s best penalty taker. Yet, in the win over West Ham, Bukayo Saka took the spot-kick even with Gyokeres on the pitch. It suggests a hierarchy still being settled, though Arteta insists there is mutual understanding among the players.
Arsenal’s tactical structure has also shifted to complement Gyokeres’ physical style. The Gunners are now crossing more frequently, and midfielders are instructed to play vertical passes earlier to release the striker behind defences. This adjustment has already made Arsenal less predictable and more dangerous against low-block opponents — a weakness that cost them crucial points last season.
Still, for Gyokeres, converting those chances remains the missing piece. His movement is intelligent, his positioning strong, but Premier League defenders have proven far more physical and unforgiving than those he faced in Portugal. Adapting to that intensity is the next challenge.
Signs of Promise by Gyökeres Amid Patience
Despite the modest goal return, there are encouraging signs that Gyokeres’ breakthrough is near. His fitness is improving, his chemistry with teammates is growing, and his confidence, by all accounts, remains intact. Teammates like Gabriel Martinelli have shown visible support, often looking to create opportunities for the striker in key moments.
Gyokeres’ personality — described by those close to him as driven and mentally resilient — could prove decisive. His shirt sales broke club records following his unveiling, reflecting both the excitement and pressure surrounding his arrival. Now, with Arsenal gunning for their first major trophy since 2020, the expectation is for Gyokeres to eventually deliver the goals to match the hype.
The Premier League has never been an easy environment for adaptation, particularly for forwards transitioning from continental football. Yet, if effort, attitude, and tactical compatibility are anything to go by, Viktor Gyokeres appears well-positioned to overcome his early challenges. For Arsenal fans, patience might just be rewarded sooner rather than later.
By Sunday Alabi – Sports Correspondent, Lagos
