Analyzing Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Games, 3 Scores

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start this season, winning eight from their first 10 games, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.
Following 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.
Game Minutes and Team Factors
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.
Havertz is one of Arteta's key squad members while there is a case to be had that Havertz might have started instead of Gyokeres during big away matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss of the season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they won.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't have complete pre-season before joining, and skipped team training with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.
Scoring History and Anticipations
But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with Sporting in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.
The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he represents a player who was signed to the club to get the squad over the line while they try to win their initial trophy after 2020.
Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration
The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening matches and showered praise upon the forward regarding his work that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.
Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".
At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.
Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.
This represents in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper and link play like the German, but his strength is considered to be running through the two centre-backs toward the space behind them.
When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten games, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing
Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the title race, and their revised style is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.
The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.
One of the striker's 3 goals so far originated from a spot-kick however that was when Saka had already been substituted during the five-nil victory against Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet it was the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory over West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this season.
Squad Member Encouragement and Belief
The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.
"I think Viktor's playing extremely well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.
"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's still providing his best every game."
Future Prospects for The Striker
It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get improved.
Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.
The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.
Gyokeres is a eager movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g