By Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season, winning eight of their first ten games, but new striker Viktor Gyökeres has found life in North London a little more challenging.
After scoring three goals in his first four appearances, the £64 million summer signing has now gone six matches without finding the net. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed he gave the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Ham, praising his effort and attitude.
Gyökeres has played the full 90 minutes in six of those ten matches more than Arteta had planned due to Kai Havertz’s knee injury, which has limited the manager’s ability to rotate his squad. Havertz is one of Arteta’s most trusted players, and it’s likely he would have started ahead of Gyökeres in big away games such as Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United.
It’s also worth noting that Gyökeres didn’t have a full pre-season before joining Arsenal, having missed training at Sporting Lisbon as he pushed for the move.
Despite the slow start, Gyökeres was signed as a “win-now” player someone expected to make an immediate impact after scoring an incredible 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting. For now, his lack of goals isn’t a major issue as Arsenal continue to win, but he was brought in to be the difference maker in tight title races and crucial matches.
Arteta has repeatedly praised the striker’s work ethic and contribution to the team’s overall play. After the win over Olympiacos, the Arsenal boss described Gyökeres’ performance as “exceptional,” highlighting his tireless work rate.
When he arrived, many believed Gyökeres presence would help unlock Arsenal’s attacking midfielders, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Gabriel Martinelli by creating space and drawing defenders. There have been glimpses of that dynamic, but Gyökeres himself will feel he should have contributed more in his first ten games, with goals coming only in two, a double against Leeds in August and one against Nottingham Forest in mid-September.
Arsenal have adjusted their playing style this season, moving the ball between the lines more quickly and adopting a more direct approach. This tactical shift is partly designed to suit Viktor Gyökeres, whose game differs from Kai Havertz’s. Unlike Havertz, who often drops into midfield to link play, Gyökeres is at his best when running between defenders and exploiting space behind the back line.
It’s clear from Arsenal’s recent matches that the midfielders are looking to play early passes in behind to release the Swedish striker. So far, Gyökeres has had 23 chances in his first 10 games, but he’s only managed seven shots on target, one of which came from the penalty spot.
Are there signs that things will improve for Gyökeres?
It’s fair to say Viktor Gyökeres start to life at Arsenal hasn’t been smooth, but there are encouraging signs that better days lie ahead. The Swedish striker began the season short on fitness after a disrupted pre-season, and Kai Havertz’s injury meant he was thrown into the starting lineup earlier than planned. As a result, his understanding with the midfielders behind him crucial for Arsenal’s attacking rhythm is still developing.
Gyökeres is a tireless runner who constantly looks to find space in behind and offer himself as a target for quick forward passes. He’s strong and physical, but in a league full of powerful centre-backs, he’ll need to adapt and refine how he uses his body to win those battles.
One thing that’s never been in doubt is his mentality. Gyökeres is known for his determination and resilience, qualities that will serve him well in the Premier League, especially with the pressure of a £64 million price tag and record-breaking shirt sales.
His teammates are clearly eager to see him succeed, against Olympiacos, Gabriel Martinelli appeared ready to let Gyökeres shot roll into the net before it struck the post, with the winger eventually tapping in the rebound, a small moment that showed the squad’s faith in their new striker.
Gyökeres may not have the flair of some of the league’s more elegant forwards, but he offers something different: directness, strength, and relentless work rate. With Arsenal’s new, more vertical style of play and a midfield built to create chances for him, everything is in place for him to thrive. The big question now is whether he can put it all together and deliver the goals Arsenal signed him for.
