Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Games, Three Scores

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the season, winning 8 from their opening 10 games, but it's been less as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.
After 3 scores in his initial four matches, this expensive signing has not found the net for six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden striker a hug following Saturday's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his contributions.
Game Time and Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.
Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members and exists a case to be made that Havertz would have started in place of the Swedish striker during important away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo a full pre-season before arriving, and missed squad training at Sporting when he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.
Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations
However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven goals in one hundred two games for Sporting in two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.
The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue since the team are winning currently, yet he represents a player who was signed in to get the team over the line while they attempt to win their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation
Arteta has shown recognition for the striker's work rate during the initial games and heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.
Following of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".
When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.
Statistical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.
This represents partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play similar to the German, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs between both defenders toward the gaps behind them.
When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting for the ball that could release the striker for a chance.
This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal with those chances in ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.
Strategic Changes & Team Support
The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.
One of Gyokeres' three goals so far came from the penalty spot but that was when the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 win over Leeds.
Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty in the win against West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term.
Squad Member Support & Belief
Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.
"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.
"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.
"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still providing his best each match."
Future Prospects Regarding The Striker
It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not signs suggesting things will become improved.
Gyokeres started the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.
The striker represents a willing runner and consistently looks for {space|g