Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, 3 Goals

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.
After three goals during his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his efforts.
Game Time and Team Factors
The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.
The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members while there is an argument to be had suggesting the German would have started in place of Gyokeres in big away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, and skipped team sessions at his former club as he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.
Scoring History & Expectations
But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals across one hundred two appearances with his previous club in two campaigns at the Portuguese club.
The striker's drought in goals are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete that was brought in to get the team over the line as they try to win their initial trophy after two thousand twenty.
Coach's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches while showered praise upon the striker for his work which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented itself.
Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" and praised the player's "work-rate".
When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would open up the space for the multiple offensive players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.
This represents in part to extract the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to link play like the German, rather whose strength is felt to be running between both centre-backs toward the space in behind.
When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that could free the striker for a chance.
This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has only managed seven shots on target with those chances in ten matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.
Tactical Changes & Squad Support
Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a low block last season as they faded during the title race, and their revised style is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.
The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create more chances.
One of the striker's 3 scores this season originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil victory against Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty in the win over West Ham while both were present on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term.
Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence
The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.
"He represents a significant component why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's consistently giving his best each match."
Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres
It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators to show situations will get improved.
Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted pre-season.
The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.
The striker represents a eager movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g