Viktor Gyokeres has been distinctly average for Arsenal so far

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Signing for a big fee with an impressive goal-scoring pedigree comes with great expectations, and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres has so far struggled to deliver.

Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP for £63 million in the summer, brought in to be the saviour of the Gunners’ supposed striker issues.

Having scored more goals than any other centre-forward in Europe last season, many believed this form would simply translate to the Premier League.

Seven matches into the season, he’s netted just three times across all competitions, and people are beginning to ask questions.

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Viktor Gyokeres’ numbers are average compared to previous Arsenal strikers

Gyokeres was outstanding last season.

The number nine scored 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions, destroying the Primeira Liga and leading Sporting to a domestic double.

There was an inevitability about him, with his rip-roaring pace and physical prowess blowing away defenders in the Portuguese top flight.

When he arrived in N5, many casual observers assumed he’d simply repeat these feats and enjoy another prolific campaign in England.

This was perhaps an unfair assumption for fans and the media to make. The pace of the game in the Premier League is much higher, the centre-backs are more physically imposing and they give attackers significantly less time to get their shot off.

It was reasonable to suggest that he may struggle in this more challenging environment, or at least to hint that he may need time to adapt.

Comparing his early return of three goals in seven Premier League appearances to the previous six strikers Arsenal have signed makes for interesting reading and provides some important context.

Discounting Kai Havertz, who spent his early days at the Emirates in midfield, only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Jesus have managed better returns than Gyokeres.

However, given all three were acquired for similar fees to the 27-year-old, and the other three were all bought for less than £20 million, this doesn’t reflect well on him.

Ultimately, these numbers don’t determine how he’ll perform in the long-run and it’s too early to properly judge the player.

This data simply demonstrates that Gyokeres has had an average start compared to those who came before him, dismissing those who argue it’s been disastrous and those who say that he’s been excellent.

That said, comparing him to Aubameyang and Jesus is arguably unfair. The former arrived as one of the most coveted strikers in the world and the latter arrived with many years of Premier League experience.

A more reasonable analogue is Lacazette, and so far, his start closely resembles the Frenchman’s. If he replicates what the Lyon veteran was able to do in an Arsenal shirt, in a much better team, Mikel Arteta will probably be content.

How does Viktor Gyokeres’ overall game look?

Of course, looking at his goal tally only scratches the surface.

Gyokeres has been accused of lacking technical quality, and while he may not be pleasing on the eye, this hasn’t stopped him from being effective.

The opening few weeks for the ex-Coventry man in an Arsenal shirt were concerning regarding his all-around game. He looked clumsy and unable to influence matches in any meaningful way.

However, encouragingly for Arteta, he’s come on leaps and bounds as he’s grown fitter and acclimatised.

In recent games, the value of his relentless off-the-ball runs has become obvious, while he’s looked much more accomplished with his hold-up play.

While he’s been average so far, there are encouraging signs. Things are looking up for Arsenal’s latest striker signing.