🔗 Share this article Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Start: Ten Games, 3 Scores The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first ten games, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres. Following three goals in his first 4 matches, the £64m signing hasn't found the net in 6 consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory against West Ham for his contributions. Playing Minutes & Team Factors The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old. The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have started instead of Gyokeres in big away matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from. There is also the reality Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before joining, while missed team sessions at his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London. Scoring History and Expectations But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, that notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances with his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club. His lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was signed to the club to get the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty. Coach's Viewpoint and Team Integration The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort during the opening games and showered compliments upon the forward for his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so. In the aftermath the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "work-rate". When the club signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would create opportunities for the various attacking talents Arsenal possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward. Numerical Analysis The North London club have changed their style this season to move possession through midfield faster and have adapted their tactics to become more direct. This represents partially to extract the best from Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper and link play like the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through the two centre-backs and into the space in behind. When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities. This is shown in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed seven shots on target from those opportunities in 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick. Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block last season when they fell away during the title race, and their new style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo. Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities. Among Gyokeres' 3 scores this season originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil win over Leeds. The manager said the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but it was Saka who took the spot-kick during the victory over the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the England winger might be first choice for penalties this term. Teammate Support and Belief Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed. "I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka stated post-game with West Ham. "There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team. "He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently providing his best every game." Future Outlook Regarding The Striker It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better. Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season. Havertz's injury has meant him being thrust into circumstances earlier compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted. The striker represents a willing movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g