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

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first ten matches, but it has not been as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his initial four games, this expensive signing hasn't scored in 6 matches, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his hard work.

Game Time & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's key squad members and there is an argument to be had that the German might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, while missed squad training at his former club as he looked to secure a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that scored 97 times in 102 games for his previous club during his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is a player that was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first title after 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the initial games and showered praise on the forward regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, existed an expectation his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt to be making runs through the two defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking to find the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal from those opportunities in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they faded during the title race, and their new style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three scores so far came from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger had already been replaced during the 5-0 win over United.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but it was Saka who assumed the penalty during the win against the Hammers when both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger might be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka said after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs to show things will get better.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g