Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Games, Three Goals

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten matches, however it has not been quite as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.
Following three scores during his first 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't found the net for 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 win against West Ham in recognition of his hard work.
Game Minutes and Squad Factors
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager planned him to play, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.
Havertz represents one of Arteta's key squad members and there is a case to be made that Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres during important road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, while skipped squad sessions with his former club as he looked to secure a move to north London.
Scoring Record & Anticipations
But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games for his previous club in his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.
His drought in goals aren't an issue as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete that was brought in to help the squad over the line while they try to win their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.
Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's work rate in the opening matches while heaped praise upon the forward regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.
Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and praised the player's "effort level".
When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities for the various attacking players Arsenal have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.
This is partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered as making runs through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.
When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.
This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has had, but he has only managed seven shots on target from those chances in 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing
Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to damage the opposition by playing quickly.
Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.
One of Gyokeres' 3 scores so far originated from the penalty spot but that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over Leeds.
The manager said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.
Squad Member Support & Confidence
Saka, that completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.
"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," Saka stated after the match with the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to 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, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.
"He's a significant component why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing maximum effort each match."
Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres
It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators to show situations will get improved.
Gyokeres started the campaign attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.
Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g