Assessing Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Games, 3 Scores

The Gunners are experiencing a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 of their opening 10 games, but it hasn't proven as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Following three scores during his initial 4 games, this expensive acquisition has not scored for six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his hard work.
Game Time & Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.
The German player is one of the manager's most reliable players and exists an argument to be made that Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they won.
There is also the fact the striker didn't undergo complete summer preparation before arriving, while missed squad sessions with Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.
Scoring Record & Expectations
But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.
His drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents a player who was signed in to help the squad over the line as they attempt to win their first title since 2020.
Manager's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while heaped compliments upon the forward for his contributions which often goes under the radar when the chance has presented itself.
In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".
At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create the space to benefit the various offensive talents the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this season to get the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.
This represents partially to get the best out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift into midfield and link play similar to the German, but whose strength is felt to be running between both defenders and into the gaps in behind.
Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are attempting for the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances the forward has had, but he has merely mustered seven attempts on goal from those chances in ten games, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes and Team Support
The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season as they fell away in the title race, so their new style aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.
Arsenal are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.
Among the striker's three scores this season came from a spot-kick however that was when Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over United.
The manager said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the English winger could be first choice to take them this term.
Teammate Encouragement and Belief
Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.
"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against West Ham.
"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.
"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."
Future Outlook Regarding The Striker
It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get improved.
The striker began the season playing catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.
The German's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been highlighted.
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