Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Matches, Three Goals

Arsenal have made an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening 10 matches, but it's been less as easy for recent forward the Swedish attacker.
After 3 goals in his first four matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his efforts.
Playing Time & Squad Dynamics
Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.
The German player is one of the manager's key squad members and there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped team training with his former club when he looked to secure a transfer toward Arsenal.
Scoring Record & Anticipations
But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times across one hundred two appearances for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.
His drought in goals aren't an issue as the team are winning at the moment, but he is a player who was signed to the club to get the team over the line while they attempt to win their first trophy after two thousand twenty.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation
Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the initial matches while showered praise upon the forward for his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.
In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".
When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Analysis

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to get possession through midfield faster while have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.
This is partially to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes like the German, but his primary attribute is felt to be running between both defenders and into the space behind them.
Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could free the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 matches, including one being from a spot-kick.
Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing
The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a low block previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create more chances.
Among Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil victory over Leeds.
Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term.
Squad Member Support & Belief
Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.
"I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against West Ham.
"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.
"He's a big part why we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."
Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will get improved.
Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.
Havertz's injury has meant him being thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.
Gyokeres is a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g