Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

The Gunners have made a remarkable beginning this season, winning 8 from their first 10 games, but it has not been as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Following 3 scores during his first 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward a hug following Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham for his hard work.
Game Time and Squad Factors
The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted players while there is an argument to be had that the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during big away matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.
There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad training with Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.
Scoring Record and Anticipations
But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, that notched 97 times across 102 appearances for his previous club during two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.
His lack of goals are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is a player who was brought in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.
Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation
Arteta has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening games and showered praise on the forward regarding his contributions which can go under the radar when the chance has presented to do so.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while praised his "work-rate".
At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the multiple offensive talents the team possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.
This is in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes like the German, rather his primary attribute is considered as running through the two centre-backs and into the space behind them.
Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only mustered seven shots on target from those opportunities in 10 matches, including one being from a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes and Squad Support
The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents employing low block last season as they faded during the title race, so their new style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.
One of the striker's 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when Saka had already been replaced during the 5-0 win against Leeds.
The manager stated Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the win against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the English attacker might be the primary option to take them this term.
Teammate Support & Belief
Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match with West Ham.
"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.
"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he's still content while he's still giving maximum effort each match."
Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres
It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.
The striker started the season attempting catch-up with his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.
The German's injury has meant him being thrust into situations earlier than possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.
Gyokeres represents a willing runner while constantly looks for {space|g