Last season, Arsenal faced a significant challenge on the pitch: a critical deficit in chance creation that directly impacted their goal-scoring output, setting them apart from title rivals like Liverpool.
The statistics paint a stark picture, revealing a fundamental difference in attacking philosophy and execution. Liverpool, for instance, managed an astonishing 95 more non-penalty shots than the Gunners over the 38-game Premier League season, averaging 2.5 additional attempts per match. This considerable disparity highlights Arsenal’s struggle to consistently generate high-quality scoring opportunities, a core problem that often left their formidable attacking talent underutilized.
To underscore the profound impact of this creative shortfall, consider a hypothetical scenario: had Arsenal matched the champions in non-penalty shots while maintaining their existing conversion rate of 12.3%, they would have netted an additional 12 goals. This projection vividly illustrates that the Gunners’ primary obstacle wasn’t necessarily a lack of finishing prowess, but rather an inability to produce the very opportunities from which goals are scored. Arsenal’s goal-scoring potential was directly constrained by their chance creation capabilities.
Enter Viktor Gyokeres, the dynamic striker whose arrival could be the crucial piece in solving Arsenal’s complex attacking puzzle. While his primary role will undoubtedly be to convert the chances that are created, his deeper value lies in his proven ability to actively contribute to the genesis of those opportunities. His style of play, characterized by relentless movement and a keen predatory instinct, suggests he is not merely a finisher but a catalyst for offensive fluidity.
A closer look at Gyokeres’ previous season in the Primeira Liga reveals his immense capacity for shot volume, averaging an impressive 4.5 shots per 90 minutes. This figure significantly eclipses the averages of Arsenal’s current forwards, Gabriel Jesus (3.0) and Kai Havertz (2.6), during their Premier League campaigns. Such statistics are not merely about individual ambition; they reflect a striker who consistently places himself in positions to threaten the opposition goal, providing more targets for his teammates and increasing the overall attacking threat. Viktor Gyokeres could redefine Arsenal’s attacking dynamic.
Crucially, the sheer number of shots a striker takes is not solely dependent on the service received from midfielders and wingers. It is also a direct consequence of the options they present to their teammates through intelligent movement, anticipation, and positioning in and around the penalty box. Gyokeres’s demonstrated proficiency in these areas suggests he can actively facilitate play, drawing defenders and opening space for others, thereby inherently boosting the team’s overall attacking statistics and Premier League performance.
Beyond his goal-scoring potential, Gyokeres offers another dimension to Arsenal’s attack: his playmaking ability. Last season, he ranked second in his league for chances created from open play with 60, a remarkable feat for a primary striker. Furthermore, his knack for drawing fouls in dangerous areas saw him win the most penalties (4) in the league. These attributes highlight his comprehensive offensive profile, indicating he can not only finish moves but also initiate them, adding a new layer of unpredictability to Arsenal’s setup. This multifaceted contribution makes him a highly valuable asset for Arsenal’s aspirations.
In conclusion, while the focus often drifts to goals, Arsenal’s underlying challenge stemmed from a lack of creativity. Viktor Gyokeres’s arrival promises to address this fundamental issue head-on. By enhancing both chance creation and conversion, he is poised to play a pivotal role in providing the attacking impetus and strategic depth the Gunners desperately need to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season, transforming their offensive output and reigniting their title ambitions.
