Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, 3 Scores

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start to the campaign, winning eight from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.
After three scores in his initial four matches, this expensive signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his hard work.
Playing Time & Squad Factors
Gyokeres has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rest the Swedish international.
Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted squad members while exists an argument to be made suggesting the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during important road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they won.
Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete summer preparation prior to joining, while missed squad training at his former club when he looked to secure a move to Arsenal.
Scoring History and Anticipations
However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, that notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two games with Sporting during two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.
The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he is an athlete that was brought to the club to get the squad over the line while they try to win their initial title since 2020.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the initial matches and heaped praise upon the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.
Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised the player's "effort level".
When the club signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space for the various offensive players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.
Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this season to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.
This is partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be running through the two centre-backs toward the space in behind.
When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.
This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, but he has merely mustered seven shots on target from those opportunities in ten games, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes & Team Backing
The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the title race, so their revised style aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.
The team are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.
Among the striker's 3 scores this season came from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory over Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international who assumed the penalty during the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.
Teammate Support & Belief
Saka, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.
"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," the Englishman said post-game with the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides us.
"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still giving his best every game."
Future Prospects Regarding The Striker
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get better.
Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.
The German's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.
Gyokeres is a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g