🔗 Share this article Evaluating Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, Three Goals The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable beginning this season, winning eight of their opening ten matches, however it hasn't proven as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres. Following three scores in his initial four games, this expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for six matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham for his hard work. Game Minutes & Team Dynamics Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old. The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable players and exists an argument to be made that the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during important away fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won. There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation before joining, and missed squad training with Sporting as he looked to secure a move toward north London. Scoring History and Expectations But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games for his previous club during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team. His lack of goals are not a problem as the team are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete that was signed in to get the team across the finish line while they try to secure their initial trophy after two thousand twenty. Coach's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort in the initial matches while heaped compliments upon the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself. Following the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and praised the player's "effort level". At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the various attacking talents the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward. Numerical Analysis Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical. This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, rather his strength is felt as running through both centre-backs toward the space in behind. When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance. This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot. Strategic Changes and Squad Backing Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo. The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities. One of Gyokeres' three goals so far came from a spot-kick but this occurred when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds. The manager stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka who took the penalty during the victory against the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this season. Squad Member Support and Confidence The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive. "I think Gyokeres' playing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers. "There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides the team. "He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still content and he's still providing his best every game." Upcoming Outlook for The Striker It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will get improved. The striker started the season attempting catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season. Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized. Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g