Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Games, 3 Scores

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.
Following three goals in his first four games, this expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for 6 consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham for his hard work.
Playing Time & Squad Factors
The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond the manager planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.
The German player is one of the manager's most trusted players and there is a case to be made suggesting the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the reality the striker did not have complete summer preparation before arriving, while missed team training at his former club when he looked to secure a move to north London.
Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations
However the Swedish international is a win-now signing, that notched 97 times across 102 games for Sporting in his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.
His drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete that was brought in to get the team over the line as they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.
Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration
Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort during the opening matches and showered compliments on the forward for his work that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.
Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised his "work-rate".
When the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space for the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.
This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt as running through both defenders toward the space behind them.
Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may release the striker for a chance.
This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, including one coming via the penalty spot.
Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support
Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, and their revised approach is designed to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.
The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to create more chances.
Among the striker's three scores this season came from the penalty spot however that was when the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 win over United.
Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were present on the field, suggesting the England winger might be the primary option to take them this season.
Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence
The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.
"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.
"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he continues to be content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."
Future Outlook for Gyokeres
It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will get better.
The striker began the season playing catch-up with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.
The striker represents a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g