Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Gunners have made an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, however it has not been quite as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores in his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't scored in 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish forward a hug following the weekend's 2-0 victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond the manager planned him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most reliable players and there is an argument to be had that Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres during important road fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have complete pre-season prior to arriving, while skipped squad training with his former club as he attempted to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who scored 97 goals in 102 games with Sporting in two seasons with the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to help the team over the line while they try to secure their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening matches while heaped praise on the forward regarding his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their style this season to get the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is in part to get the best out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is considered as making runs between both centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, and their revised style aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three goals so far came from the penalty spot however that was at a time Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil victory against Leeds.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but it was the English international who took the penalty in the victory against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a eager runner and consistently seeks out {space|g