🔗 Share this article Analyzing Gyokeres' Gunners Opening: 10 Matches, Three Scores Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning this season, winning eight of their opening 10 matches, however it has not been quite as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker. After three scores during his first four matches, this £64m acquisition has not scored for six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work. Playing Time & Squad Factors Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old. The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable players while there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during important away fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they won. Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have a full pre-season before arriving, and missed squad sessions with his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal. Scoring History & Anticipations But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, that notched ninety-seven times across 102 appearances with Sporting during two seasons at the Lisbon-based club. The striker's lack of goals are not a problem as the team are winning currently, but he represents an athlete that was brought in to help the team over the line while they try to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty. Coach's Viewpoint and Team Integration The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the initial games and showered compliments on the striker for his contributions which often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself. In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "effort level". When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward. Statistical Analysis The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their tactics to be more vertical. This represents partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, rather his strength is considered as making runs through the two defenders and into the space in behind. When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that may release the striker for a chance. This is demonstrated in the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target with those chances across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot. Tactical Adjustments and Team Backing Arsenal struggled to break down sides in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the title race, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo. The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create additional opportunities. One of the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil victory against Leeds. The manager stated the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, implying the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this term. Squad Member Encouragement & Belief The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed. "In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated after the match with the Hammers. "There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he gives us. "He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he continues to be happy while he's still giving his best every game." Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will become better. Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season. Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances earlier than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized. The striker is a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g