Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, Three Goals

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable start to the campaign, winning eight of their opening 10 games, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his first 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't found the net for 6 consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil win over the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key players while exists a case to be had that Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during big away matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team sessions at his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times across one hundred two games with Sporting in two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring aren't an issue since the team are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was signed to the club to get the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches and showered compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create the space for the multiple attacking talents the team possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This is partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to the German, but whose primary attribute is considered as making runs between both centre-backs toward the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the championship pursuit, so their new style is designed to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty in the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g