Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, Three Scores

The Gunners have made a strong beginning to the campaign, winning eight of their first 10 games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Following three scores during his first four matches, the £64m acquisition has not scored for six consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his contributions.
Game Time & Team Factors
The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.
Havertz is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be had that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker during big away matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed team training at Sporting as he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.
Scoring History & Anticipations
But the Swedish international represents a win-now signing, that notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games with his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.
The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem as the team are winning currently, but he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first title since two thousand twenty.
Manager's Perspective & Team Integration
Arteta has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the opening games and showered praise on the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.
In the aftermath the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".
When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create the space to benefit the various offensive players the team possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.
This is partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper and connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is considered as making runs through the two defenders toward the gaps behind them.
Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are looking to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those chances in ten matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.
Strategic Adjustments & Squad Support
Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.
The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.
Among the striker's three scores this season came from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil win against United.
Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club in an interview with the sports network, but it was the English international who assumed the penalty in the victory over West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the England winger could be first choice to take them this season.
Teammate Encouragement & Belief
The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.
"Without question he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.
"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's still providing maximum effort every game."
Future Outlook for Gyokeres
It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will get improved.
The striker began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.
The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.
The striker is a willing movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g