Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Games, 3 Goals

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start this season, winning eight of their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.
After 3 goals in his first 4 matches, the £64m signing has not scored in six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his contributions.
Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond Arteta planned him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.
The German player represents one of the manager's key squad members while there is an argument to be made that Havertz would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during big road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo a full summer preparation before joining, while skipped squad training with his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London.
Scoring History and Expectations
But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that notched ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with his previous club during two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.
The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he represents a player that was brought in to help the squad over the line while they try to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.
Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches while showered compliments on the forward regarding his work that can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.
Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while praised his "effort level".
At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space for the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.
This represents in part to get the best from Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper and link play like the German, but whose strength is considered to be running through the two centre-backs and into the space behind them.
Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free the striker for a chance.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those opportunities in ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot.
Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing
The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the title race, so their revised style aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.
Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to generate more chances.
Among the striker's 3 scores this season originated from the penalty spot however that was when the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 win against United.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka that took the penalty in the win against West Ham when both were on the field, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.
Squad Member Encouragement and Belief
The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.
"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.
"He's a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's consistently giving his best each match."
Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres
It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get better.
The striker began the season playing catch-up with his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.
Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.
The striker represents a willing runner and constantly seeks out {space|g