Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal on the back of two incredible seasons with Sporting, where his goalscoring exploits earned him widespread acclaim. The Swedish striker scored over 100 goals in two campaigns for the Portuguese side, and his efforts last season even saw him pick up the Gerd Müller Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Nobody truly expected him to replicate those extraordinary numbers in an Arsenal shirt, but there was every expectation that he would contribute a healthy share of the team’s goals this season.
Ten games into the campaign, however, Gyökeres has managed just three goals, two of which have come from open play. While that return may not be disastrous, it has certainly underwhelmed supporters who anticipated more from a marquee striker.
Patience, but expectations remain high
To be fair, Arsenal fans have remained largely patient with the 27-year-old. After all, the team sits top of the Premier League table, so there is little room for panic. Many have also praised Gyökeres for his tireless work rate and ability to create space for teammates through intelligent movement. That said, he was signed to score goals, not simply to make runs or occupy defenders. His role differs from that of Kai Havertz, who naturally links play and facilitates attacks. Gyökeres thrives when service is directed to him in and around the box, and Arsenal have yet to fully play to his strengths.
Time to find his rhythm
The Swede’s finishing has been inconsistent, and he has tended to fade in the biggest matches so far. But it’s worth remembering that he is still adapting to a new system, league and teammates. With better chemistry and service from wide areas, his scoring form should improve as the season progresses.
So, what would represent a realistic target for Gyökeres? Given Arsenal’s tendency to share goals among multiple players, a 15-to-20 goal season across all competitions would be a fair and achievable benchmark. Anything beyond that would be a huge bonus.
What do you think, Gooners? Would you be content if the Swede finishes with just over double figures this season?
Let us know in the comments.
Benjamin Kenneth
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
I think as long he finishes as top scorer, preferably in double figures in the league, that will be good. 15+ would be a good return for a first season in a team that doesn’t feed their striker.
Honestly, this is his greatest undoing at the moment, and if the situation persist, 15+ goal return would be a miracle. The team needs to learn to play to his strengths.
Twenty goals should be the big Swede target in his first campaign for us.
But the gaffer must show leadership now and puts stats aside, and establish a clear penalty takers.
Gyokers looks more convincing taking spot kicks
We’ll be lucky if he’s able to score 10 all season… His poor performance will be exposed after the international break, he’s lacking the technical abilities to get into the game and find his balance around the team. He probably needs to work on his weight, touches, movements and duel… He’s always contesting for ball but hardly won any duel.
Great observation. He’d be lucky if he can score ten goals in EPL this season, due to all the reasons you’ve mentioned
People need to watch his poor performance against the mighty Kosovo and maybe his next international game
I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal ship him out in next summer. They should’ve learned from Pepe’s case, whose goals were also heavily-inflated by his penalties in France
Is it possible for you to get over the fact that you wanted Sesko but Arsenal acquired Gyokeres?
Why are you always bringing his penalty goals up? Don’t u know that even is u remove his penalty goals from the total goals he scored last season, he will still have 30+ goals which is still great.
Adding to his 3 goals in 10 matches 😂 doesn’t look like he could hit a barn door at the minute but strikers hardly flourish under Arteta id imagine Haaland struggling for goals the way we play.
It’s possible for him to reach 15 goals.
I would hope for 15+ in the league. With anything else in the other comps to be a bonus. Whether any of it will happen remains to be seen. 🤷♂️
I’ve never believed in setting goal targets for individual players, just try to score in every game and then see where that takes us. If a player reaches his allotted set target halfway through season he might subconsciously relax and not be so effective.
Harvetz was already being called a flop by this stage in His Arsenal first season. It was said that a proper no.9 would excel and would take us to the promised land.
Wrong! Havertz was called a flop in midfield where he was signed to play…that was/is true as he really struggled in our midfield
It was said a proper no.9 would excel if the tactics were adjusted to suit that position, again this is still true
In terms of EPL I think 12 goals excluding penalties would be a decent first return, keeping in mind Gyokeres was signed as the finished product which does come with a higher expectation
I couldn’t care less so long as we win the league and he keeps working hard. What I have noticed is he is pulling players w his runs and it is preventing teams from doubling up on the wings on every attack (much like most of last season). This is opening up so much space and is going to be great for our wingers, especially Saka—and Noni when he returns.
That’s what I have seen too
And also Saka Martinelli Nd Trossard ( latter too especially as not guaranteed first XI starters) all try to score themselves when near the box rather than pass
Gyo chances are very limited and also bear in mind we have played Man Utd Liverpool and Newcastle all away plus City at home….so that’s 4 out of our 7 games so far !
No idea why constant articles about him. Especially as we are top of the league and he is doing his bit
Virtually every player that comes to the PL takes time to settle plus he didn’t have pre season so getting match fit on the pitch !
Well said, Neil 👍
Three (3) goals and he already achieved that.