Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: 10 Matches, Three Goals

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 of their opening 10 games, but it's been less quite as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.
After three scores during his first 4 games, this £64m acquisition has not scored in 6 consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.
Game Time and Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player is one of Arteta's key squad members while exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of Gyokeres in important away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact the striker did not undergo complete pre-season before joining, while skipped squad sessions with Sporting when he looked to secure a move toward north London.
Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations
However the Swedish international is a win-now signing, that scored 97 times across 102 appearances with his previous club during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.
The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue as the team are winning currently, but he is a player that was brought in to get the squad over the line as they try to win their initial title after 2020.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Integration
Arteta has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the initial games and showered praise on the forward for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.
Following of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".
When the club acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.
Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.
This represents partially to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered to be running between the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.
Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find the ball that may free the striker for a chance.
This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has merely managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.
Tactical Adjustments & Squad Support
The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block last season as they faded during the title race, so their revised approach aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.
Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.
Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this term.
Teammate Support & Confidence
The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.
"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.
"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he's still content and he's consistently providing his best each match."
Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres
It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will get better.
The striker started the campaign playing to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances earlier than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.
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