Evaluating Gyokeres' Arsenal Start: Ten Matches, Three Goals

Arsenal have made an impressive start to the campaign, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, but it's been less quite as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.
Following three goals during his first 4 games, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's 2-0 win against West Ham for his efforts.
Game Time & Team Factors
The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.
The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable players while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of Gyokeres in big road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact Gyokeres did not have complete pre-season before joining, and skipped team training at his former club when he looked to secure a move toward Arsenal.
Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations
However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.
The striker's lack of scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he represents a player that was brought in to get the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their first trophy since 2020.
Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation
Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches and showered praise upon the forward for his work that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.
Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".
At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.
Statistical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.
This is in part to get the maximum out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered as running between the two defenders toward the space behind them.
Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that may free the striker for a chance.
This is shown in the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those chances in 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.
Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing
Arsenal struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup last season as they fell away in the title race, so their new approach aims to damage the opposition while playing quickly.
The team are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.
Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory against United.
The manager said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka who took the penalty during the victory over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this term.
Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence
Saka, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match against 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 are extremely grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.
"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort each match."
Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres
It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.
Gyokeres started the campaign playing to recover with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.
The German's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.
Gyokeres is a eager runner and consistently looks for {space|g