🔗 Share this article Analyzing Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal Opening: Ten Games, 3 Scores Arsenal have made a remarkable beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 from their first 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker. After three scores during his initial four games, this expensive signing has not found the net for 6 consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Sweden forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions. Game Time & Squad Factors Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager planned him to play, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old. Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable players while there is a case to be made that the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they won. Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, while skipped team sessions at Sporting as he looked to secure a move to Arsenal. Scoring History and Expectations However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in two campaigns with the Portuguese team. The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem as the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their first trophy after 2020. Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation Arteta has shown recognition for the striker's effort in the initial matches and showered compliments on the forward regarding his contributions which can go under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself. In the aftermath the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "work-rate". At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed an expectation his presence would open up the space for the multiple offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli. Numerical Breakdown The North London club have altered their approach this season to move possession through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical. This represents in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to link play similar to the German, but whose primary attribute is felt to be running through both defenders and into the gaps in behind. When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that may free the striker for opportunities. This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has had, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances in ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick. Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they faded during the title race, so their revised style is designed to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo. Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities. Among the striker's 3 scores this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced in the five-nil win over United. The manager said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but it was the English international who assumed the spot-kick during the win over the Hammers when both were present on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season. Teammate Support and Belief The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive. "I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham. "Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team. "He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's consistently providing his best every game." Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting situations will become improved. Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up with his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation. The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized. Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g