Evaluating Gyokeres' Gunners Start: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Arsenal have made a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After three scores in his first 4 games, the expensive signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, with manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil win against West Ham for his efforts.

Game Time and Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most reliable players and there is a case to be made that the German would have started instead of Gyokeres during big away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, while missed team sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games for his previous club in two seasons at the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he is an athlete who was signed in to help the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches and heaped praise upon the striker for his work that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes similar to the German, but his primary attribute is considered as running through both centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances the forward has had, however he has only managed seven shots on target from those chances in 10 games, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new style aims to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create more chances.

Among the striker's 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty during the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he provides 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 think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting things will become better.

The striker started the season attempting to recover with his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a eager movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g