🔗 Share this article Assessing Viktor Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Matches, Three Goals The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their first ten matches, however it has not been quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres. Following 3 scores in his first 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham in recognition of his contributions. Game Minutes & Team Dynamics Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old. The German player represents one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from. Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation before joining, and missed team sessions at his former club when he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal. Scoring Record & Anticipations However Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, who scored 97 times across one hundred two games for Sporting during two seasons at the Portuguese club. His drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed in to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their initial trophy after two thousand twenty. Coach's Perspective and Team Integration Arteta has shown an appreciation of the striker's effort during the opening matches while heaped praise upon the forward for his work which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself. In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised the player's "effort level". At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli. Statistical Breakdown Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more direct. This represents partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind. When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance. This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal from those chances across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot. Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their new approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly. The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances. Among Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil victory over Leeds. Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the win over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the English winger might be first choice for penalties this term. Teammate Support & Confidence The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed. "I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated post-game with West Ham. "There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team. "He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match." Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show situations will become better. Gyokeres started the season playing catch-up regarding his fitness after an interrupted pre-season. The German's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier than possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized. Gyokeres is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g