Gyökeres at Arsenal: Early Effort, Limited Returns in a Promising Start

Arsenal’s electric opening to the Premier League campaign — eight wins from ten — has masked one storyline that continues to simmer quietly: Viktor Gyökeres’ mixed introduction to life in north London.

The £64 million Swedish striker arrived from Sporting CP carrying heavy expectations, having scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club. Yet, ten games into his Arsenal career, Gyökeres has found the net only three times — all within his first four matches — and none in the past six.

Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly stood by his new No. 9, even revealing that he gave the 27-year-old “a hug” after the recent 2-0 win over West Ham. “He gives us so much with and without the ball,” Arteta said, highlighting the striker’s pressing and link-up play that rarely make the headlines.

Gyökeres’ extended minutes — he has completed 90 minutes in six of Arsenal’s ten games — have been partly enforced. Kai Havertz’s knee injury has limited Arteta’s rotation options, and in another scenario, the German international might have started key away fixtures such as those at Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

The Swede’s start has also been shaped by circumstance. He missed part of pre-season while pushing for his transfer from Sporting, and is still settling into Arsenal’s intricate attacking rhythm alongside Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and new signing Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal’s collective strength has so far compensated for his modest goal tally. The Gunners remain unbeaten in nine of their ten league outings, scoring 22 goals — their best start since the 2007–08 season. Gyökeres’ movement and physicality have helped create spaces for others, even when he hasn’t been the one applying the final touch.

In Europe, Arteta praised him after the Olympiacos win, calling his display “exceptional” and lauding his “work-rate.” It was a glimpse of why Arsenal were willing to invest heavily — not just for goals, but for a focal point capable of leading a modern high-pressing attack.

Still, expectations linger. Arsenal’s quest for a first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup will inevitably demand a consistent scoring run from their marquee forward. Gyökeres may not have lit up the scoreboard yet, but his foundation looks solid — and history suggests once the goals return, they could come in a flood.

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