Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Games, 3 Scores

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start this campaign, winning 8 from their opening ten matches, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After three goals during his initial 4 matches, this £64m signing hasn't scored for six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members and exists an argument to be had that Havertz would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important road fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, and missed team sessions at his former club when he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who notched ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances with his previous club in two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the team across the finish line as they try to win their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort during the initial games while heaped praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would create the space for the multiple attacking talents the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their style this season to move the ball between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield and link play like the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be running between both defenders and into the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for the ball that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those chances in 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from a spot-kick but that was when the English winger had already been replaced during the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were present on the field, implying the English winger could be first choice for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a big part why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content while he's still providing his best each match."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will become improved.

The striker began the season attempting to recover with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g