Arsenal s £64m striker unsettled or what? Assessing Viktor Gyokeres start

Arsenal's new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, is facing a critical examination just ten games into his tenure, despite the Gunners' superb start to the Premier League season. The £64 million signing, who arrived with a sensational record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP, started brightly with three goals in his first four matches but has since hit a six-game scoring drought.

The Swedish international's current output is stark: three goals from 23 chances created, with only seven shots on target. This includes goals in just two matches—a brace against Leeds and a single strike against Nottingham Forest.

An unplanned workload and tactical shift

Gyokeres' initial struggles have been complicated by an unplanned workload and a lack of proper pre-season training, which was disrupted as he forced his move to North London. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the forward has played more minutes than anticipated, a necessity caused by Kai Havertz's knee injury. The absence of Havertz, one of Arteta's most trusted players, likely forced Gyokeres into starting critical away games against Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

Tactically, Arsenal have adapted their game to play more directly and quickly between the lines, a clear attempt to leverage Gyokeres' primary strength: running into space behind center-backs. While the midfield is actively searching for the ball to release him, the striker has yet to consistently capitalize.

Mentality and team support

While the goals are missing, both Arteta and his teammates have been quick to publicly back Gyokeres, focusing on his off-ball contributions. Arteta recently hugged the forward after the win over West Ham and has repeatedly praised his "exceptional" work rate and effort.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s winger, expressed full confidence: "I think Viktor's playing really, really well. There's no doubt he's going to score goals... us as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does—how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us."

Gyokeres' mentality and stubbornness, qualities often cited as his strengths, will be crucial as he adjusts to the physicality of the Premier League. The visible support from his teammates—such as Gabriel Martinelli attempting to let Gyokeres’ shot go into the net against Olympiacos before tapping it in himself—indicates a strong desire for him to succeed.

With a system designed to maximize his attributes and the club's high expectations—reflected by record-breaking shirt sales upon his signing—Gyokeres has all the tools at his disposal. The immediate challenge now is converting promise and effort into the relentless scoring output Arsenal needs to win their first trophy since 2020.