Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Games, 3 Scores

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start this campaign, winning 8 of their opening 10 games, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After three scores during his first four games, this expensive acquisition hasn't scored for 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's two-nil win against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond the manager planned for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be made that Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and missed squad training with his former club when he attempted to force through a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who notched 97 goals in 102 appearances with Sporting during two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

His lack of scoring aren't an issue as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete that was brought in to get the team across the finish line as they try to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while heaped compliments on the striker for his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

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

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would create opportunities for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes like Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be running through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting for passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the title race, so their revised style is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far originated from the penalty spot but that was when Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be first choice for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman said after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting situations will become improved.

The striker began the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner while constantly seeks out {space|g