Evaluating Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: Ten Matches, Three Goals

The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, winning 8 from their first ten matches, but it has not been as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.
Following 3 goals during his first four matches, this expensive signing has not scored in 6 matches, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his contributions.
Playing Time & Squad Dynamics
Gyokeres has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.
The German player is one of the manager's most reliable squad members and exists a case to be made that Havertz might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not undergo a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad training with his former club as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.
Scoring Record and Expectations
However Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven goals in one hundred two appearances for his previous club during his two seasons with the Portuguese club.
The striker's lack of goals aren't a problem since the team are winning currently, but he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to help the team over the line while they try to win their initial trophy after two thousand twenty.
Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's work rate in the opening matches while showered compliments upon the striker for his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.
In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".
When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his presence would open up opportunities for the various attacking talents the team have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.
Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.
This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose strength is felt to be running through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.
When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking to find the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.
This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.
Strategic Changes & Squad Support
Arsenal struggled to break down sides in a low block previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition while playing quickly.
Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.
Among Gyokeres' 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick but this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil victory against United.
Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international who assumed the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be first choice to take them this term.
Squad Member Support & Confidence
Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.
"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.
"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy and he's consistently giving his best every game."
Future Outlook for Gyokeres
It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting things will get improved.
The striker began the campaign playing to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.
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