Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Games, Three Scores

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 of their first 10 matches, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Following 3 scores during his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for 6 consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his hard work.
Playing Minutes & Team Factors
Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.
Havertz is one of the manager's most reliable squad members and exists a case to be made that Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres during big road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, while skipped squad training with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move toward north London.
Scoring History and Expectations
But Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances with his previous club in two campaigns with the Portuguese club.
The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning currently, yet he is a player who was brought in to get the squad over the line while they attempt to win their first title since 2020.
Manager's Viewpoint and Team Integration
The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial games and showered compliments upon the forward regarding his work that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.
Following of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" and praised the player's "work-rate".
When the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up the space for the various offensive talents the team possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.
This is in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield to link play like Havertz, but whose strength is felt as making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.
When watching the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances the forward has received, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.
Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing
The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the title race, so their revised style aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.
Arsenal are also crossing more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.
Among the striker's 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick however this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over United.
The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the spot-kick in the win over West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the English winger might be first choice to take them this season.
Teammate Support & Belief
The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game with West Ham.
"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.
"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's still giving maximum effort each match."
Upcoming Prospects for The Striker
It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will become better.
Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.
Gyokeres is a willing runner while consistently looks for {space|g