Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Arsenal have made a remarkable start this campaign, winning 8 from their opening 10 games, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
After 3 scores during his first four matches, the £64m signing hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil win over the Hammers for his hard work.
Playing Time and Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.
Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members while there is an argument to be made that the German would have started instead of Gyokeres during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have complete summer preparation prior to joining, while skipped team sessions at his former club as he looked to secure a move toward Arsenal.
Scoring History & Expectations
But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who notched ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances for his previous club during two seasons with the Portuguese team.
The striker's lack of goals aren't an issue as the team are winning at the moment, but he is a player who was signed in to help the team over the line as they try to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.
Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration
The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games while showered praise upon the striker regarding his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.
Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised his "work-rate".
When the club signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his presence would create opportunities for the various attacking players Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get the ball between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.
This represents in part to get the best from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is considered as making runs through the two defenders toward the gaps behind them.
When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only mustered seven shots on target with those opportunities across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.
Tactical Changes and Team Support
Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.
Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.
Among the striker's three goals this season came from a spot-kick but this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil victory over United.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with the sports network, yet it was the English international who took the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the England winger could be first choice to take them this season.
Teammate Encouragement & Belief
Saka, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really well," Saka stated post-game with the Hammers.
"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.
"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains up, he's still happy and he's consistently providing his best each match."
Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get better.
Gyokeres began the campaign playing to recover with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.
The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.
Gyokeres represents a willing runner and constantly looks for {space|g