Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: 10 Games, Three Goals

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in eight of their opening 10 matches, however it's been less quite as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Following 3 scores during his first four matches, this expensive signing has not found the net in six consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham in recognition of his efforts.
Game Time & Squad Factors
Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond the manager planned for, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while there is an argument to be had that the German might have started in place of the Swedish striker during important road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed team training at Sporting when he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.
Scoring Record & Expectations
However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven goals in 102 appearances with Sporting in two seasons with the Portuguese club.
His lack of goals aren't an issue as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete that was signed in to get the team over the line while they try to win their first trophy since 2020.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Integration
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the opening matches and showered compliments upon the striker regarding his work that often goes under the radar when the chance has arisen to do so.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".
At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple offensive talents Arsenal possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to move the ball between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.
This is partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper to link play similar to the German, rather his primary attribute is considered to be running between both centre-backs toward the space behind them.
When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.
This is shown by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those opportunities across 10 matches, including one being from a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes & Team Support
Arsenal struggled to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign as they faded in the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.
Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.
Among Gyokeres' three scores this season came from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil win against Leeds.
The manager stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international who assumed the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be the primary option for penalties this season.
Teammate Support and Confidence
The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.
"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman said post-game with the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.
"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He's still positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving his best each match."
Future Prospects for The Striker
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will become better.
The striker began the season playing to recover with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.
Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.
The striker represents a eager runner and consistently seeks out {space|g