Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Start: 10 Games, Three Goals

The Gunners have made a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - more than the manager initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be had suggesting the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed squad training at Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now signing, who scored 97 times in 102 games with Sporting during two seasons with the Portuguese team.

His lack of scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete who was brought to the club to get the squad over the line as they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches and heaped compliments on the forward regarding his work that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" while praised his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his inclusion would create opportunities for the various attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this season to move the ball between the lines faster and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through the two defenders and into the space in behind.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides in a low block previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new approach is designed to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' three scores this season originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that assumed the penalty in the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still happy and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will become better.

The striker began the season attempting catch-up regarding his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been placed into situations earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g