Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Matches, 3 Goals

Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their opening 10 matches, but it's been less as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Following three goals in his initial four matches, the £64m signing has not found the net in six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 victory over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.
Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics
Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than the manager initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.
The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while exists a case to be made that the German might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss this season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they won.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, and missed team training with Sporting when he looked to secure a transfer toward north London.
Scoring Record and Anticipations
But the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games with his previous club in his two campaigns at the Portuguese team.
The striker's drought in goals are not an issue as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete that was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial trophy since 2020.
Manager's Perspective & Team Integration
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening games while showered compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".
At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move the ball through midfield faster and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.
This represents in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that does not look to drop deeper and link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt to be making runs between both centre-backs toward the space behind them.
Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed 7 attempts on goal from those chances across 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.
Tactical Changes and Team Backing
The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup last season as they fell away in the title race, and their revised approach aims to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are also crossing the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.
Among the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however that was when Saka was already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.
The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.
Squad Member Support and Confidence
The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.
"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.
"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides us.
"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving his best every game."
Future Outlook for The Striker
It is fair to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will get improved.
Gyokeres started the campaign playing to recover regarding his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.
The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances earlier than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.
The striker represents a willing runner while constantly looks for {space|g