Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, 3 Scores

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their opening ten games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial four games, this £64m signing has not found the net for 6 matches, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker a hug following the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Time & Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta planned for, with the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists a case to be had that Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation before arriving, and missed squad training with Sporting as he looked to force through a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who scored ninety-seven times in one hundred two games for his previous club in his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to help the squad over the line while they attempt to win their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort during the opening games and showered praise on the forward for his work which often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "outstanding" while praised his "effort level".

When Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his inclusion would open up opportunities for the various offensive talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be running between the two centre-backs and into the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances the forward has had, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal with those chances across ten games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, and their new style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick but that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 win against Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that took the penalty in the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman said after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not signs suggesting things will get improved.

The striker began the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into situations sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker represents a willing runner and consistently seeks out {space|g