Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Matches, Three Scores

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, winning 8 from their opening ten games, but it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.
After 3 scores during his initial 4 matches, the £64m signing has not scored for 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.
Game Time and Team Factors
Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player is one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be made that Havertz would have started instead of the Swedish striker during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.
Scoring History and Expectations
But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that notched 97 times in 102 appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns at the Portuguese team.
His lack of scoring are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was signed in to get the team over the line as they attempt to secure their initial trophy after 2020.
Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Integration
Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort during the initial matches and showered praise on the striker for his contributions which often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" and praised the player's "effort level".
At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up opportunities for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.
This is in part to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is felt as making runs between the two centre-backs toward the space in behind.
When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.
This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has merely managed 7 shots on target from those chances in ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.
Strategic Changes and Squad Backing
The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.
The team are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.
One of the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who took the penalty in the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this season.
Teammate Encouragement and Belief
Saka, who made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.
"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.
"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.
"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't think there are doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content and he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."
Future Prospects Regarding The Striker
It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will become better.
Gyokeres began the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.
Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.
The striker represents a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g