Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Games, 3 Scores

The Swedish striker during play for Arsenal

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 scores during his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition has not scored in 6 matches, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 win against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz would have started instead of the Swedish striker during big road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full pre-season before arriving, and missed team training at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Scoring History and Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that scored 97 times across one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring are not an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their initial trophy after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches while showered praise upon the striker for his contributions which often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

When the club acquired Gyokeres, there was a feeling his presence would open up the space for the multiple offensive talents Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The striker's attempt map this season

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move possession through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents partially to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield and link play like Havertz, rather his primary attribute is considered to be making runs through the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the title race, and their revised style aims to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' 3 scores this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the five-nil victory over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international that took the penalty in the win against the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He represents 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 while he's still providing his best each match."

Future Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show things will become better.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover with his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

The striker is a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g

William Curtis
William Curtis

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories and sharing knowledge on diverse topics.