Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Games, 3 Goals

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start this season, winning eight from their opening 10 games, however it's been less quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Following three goals during his first four games, the £64m signing has not found the net for six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.
Playing Time and Squad Dynamics
The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.
Havertz is one of Arteta's most reliable players and exists a case to be had that Havertz might have been selected instead of Gyokeres in important away fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they won.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped team sessions at his former club when he looked to force through a transfer to Arsenal.
Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations
However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that notched 97 times across 102 games for his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.
The striker's drought in goals are not an issue since the team are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.
Coach's Viewpoint and Team Integration
Arteta has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort in the opening matches while showered praise on the striker regarding his work that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has presented itself.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "outstanding" while commended his "effort level".
At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to get the ball through midfield more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more direct.
This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is considered to be running through the two defenders and into the space in behind.
Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for a chance.
This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those chances across ten games, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes and Team Support
Arsenal struggled to break down opponents in a low block previous campaign when they faded during the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.
The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.
Among the striker's 3 goals so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win against United.
Arteta said Gyokeres is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the England winger could be first choice to take them this term.
Teammate Encouragement & Belief
The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.
"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.
"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful 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 of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still providing his best every game."
Future Outlook for The Striker
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting situations will become improved.
The striker started the season playing catch-up regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season.
Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been placed into situations sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.
Gyokeres is a willing runner while consistently looks for {space|g