Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Gunners have made a strong start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first 10 games, but it's been less quite as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.
After three scores in his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his efforts.
Game Time & Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player is one of Arteta's key squad members and exists an argument to be had that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.
Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and missed squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.
Scoring Record & Expectations
But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two games with Sporting during his two seasons at the Portuguese team.
His drought in goals are not an issue since the team are winning currently, yet he is an athlete that was brought to the club to get the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their first title since two thousand twenty.
Manager's Perspective & Team Integration
Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening matches and heaped compliments on the forward regarding his work which can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.
Following the Gunners' victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised his "work-rate".
When the club acquired Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to move possession through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.
This represents partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is considered to be running between the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.
Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those opportunities in ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.
Strategic Changes & Team Support
The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.
One of the striker's three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced during the five-nil victory against United.
The manager said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that took the penalty during the victory over West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this term.
Teammate Encouragement and Belief
The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.
"He represents a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's still providing maximum effort every game."
Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres
It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting situations will become improved.
Gyokeres started the season playing catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.
Gyokeres represents a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g