Analysing Viktor Gyokeres’ first 7 Premier League games at Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres was one of the marquee signings of the summer in the Premier League. He arrived at Arsenal with plenty of hype – but has the Swedish international lived up to it?

On the surface, Gyokeres has had a steady, but unspectacular reintroduction to England’s top flight. His goal record of three goals in seven games isn’t exactly inspiring, nor is it anything to be ashamed of.

We’ll take a look at every Premier League game he has played in and assess his performance – then, we will give a final verdict.

Viktor Gyokeres vs other top Premier League strikers

	Games	Goals	Assists
Viktor Gyokeres	7	3	0
Joao Pedro	7	2	3
Benjamin Sesko	7	2	0
Erling Haaland	7	9	1
Hugo Ekitike	6	3	1
Richarlison	7	3	1

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

This was not the debut that Gyokeres will have hoped for. Manchester United stifled him very effectively, preventing him from doing anything on the ball and often stopping it from reaching him in the first place.

Gyokeres failed to register a single shot against the Red Devils before he was hooked on the hour mark. A disappointing start, to say the least.

Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United

Leeds United’s backline looked especially fragile on this day – it was the perfect opportunity for Gyokeres to get his Arsenal career up and running. Naturally, he took it with both hands.

Leeds were unable to deal with Gyokeres’ movement and strength on the ball. He scored twice in this game, one from open play while the other came by the way of a neatly-taken penalty.

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal

Sadly, Gyokeres would once again by kept quiet against Liverpool. He was no match for Virgil van Dijk, who bullied him throughout the proceedings. Like in the game against United, Gyokeres was unable fire off any shots on goal.

It was another quiet game for the Gunners’ star summer signing, though he would at least last the full 90 minutes this time.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

A pattern is beginning to emerge – Gyokeres tends to struggle against the top teams, but performs well against lesser outfits – this was certainly true here as he put in an excellent shift against a lacklustre Nottingham Forest outfit.

Gyokeres got himself on the scoresheet and could’ve doubled his tally when he hit the post. A strong return to form for the former Sporting CP man.

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City

Another game to forget for Gyokeres – and another game where he could not fire off a shot on goal. That now makes three games where this occured.

Largely contained by Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, Gyokeres was anonymous in this one. He played the full 90 minutes, but this only helped to highlight his lack of contribution.

Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal

This was an improved but still below par display from the Swede. He put himself about and made a nuisance of himself amongst Newcastle United’s backline, but failed to notch up a goal contribution.

His profligacy in front of goal was somewhat concerning, as he had six shots without scoring – but it was encouraging to see him more involved throughout the proceedings.

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United

You would have expected Gyokeres to score against a dismal West Ham United outfit – but this did not happen, as he was strangely quiet in this one.

Producing only two shots, he couldn’t find the back of the net – the Gunners were instead forced to rely upon their midfielders to win this one for them. Their game against West Ham marked three Premier League games in a row where Gyokeres had failed to score.

The Verdict

In conclusion, it’s safe to say that Gyokeres has fallen just short of expectations so far. He has had his moments, but they have been too infrequent.

Furthermore, to go multiple games without rattling off a shot – let alone scoring a goal – is very worrying. It’s still early days, however – there is no reason to panic just yet. Gyokeres will need time to readjust to the Premier League before he can find his scoring boots once again.