Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Start: 10 Matches, Three Scores

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning to the season, winning 8 of their opening 10 games, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals during his initial 4 games, this expensive signing hasn't found the net in six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his efforts.

Playing Time and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key players and there is an argument to be had suggesting the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's only loss this season - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't have complete pre-season prior to arriving, while missed squad training at his former club as he looked to force through a move to north London.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with his previous club during two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring are not a problem as the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was signed in to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their first title after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games and heaped compliments on the striker for his work which can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would create opportunities for the various offensive talents the team have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their style this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the best out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is felt to be running through both centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal from those opportunities across 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' three scores so far came from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory against United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were on the field, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will become improved.

The striker started the season playing to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

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