Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: Ten Matches, 3 Scores

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, but it has not been quite as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores in his initial 4 games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net for six matches, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager planned him to play, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, and missed squad sessions at his former club when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that scored 97 goals in 102 games with his previous club in two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their initial title after 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition of Gyokeres' effort during the initial matches while heaped compliments on the forward for his work that can go under the radar when the chance has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space for the various attacking talents the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play similar to the German, but his strength is considered to be making runs between both defenders and into the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for passes that could release the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted during the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka who took the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still positive, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will become better.

The striker began the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g