Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Matches, 3 Scores

Arsenal have made an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, however it's been less as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his first four games, this expensive acquisition has not scored for six matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's most trusted players and there is an argument to be made that Havertz might have started instead of Gyokeres in big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and missed team sessions at his former club when he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances with Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title since 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' work rate during the opening games and showered praise on the forward for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple offensive players the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to move possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt to be running through the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting for passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely managed seven shots on target from those opportunities in ten matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season when they fell away in the title race, and their new approach is designed to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three scores so far came from a spot-kick however that was when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international who assumed the penalty in the win over the Hammers when both were on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

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

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will become better.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations earlier compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g