🔗 Share this article Assessing Gyokeres' Gunners Beginning: 10 Matches, 3 Scores Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening ten matches, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker. Following 3 scores in his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't scored in 6 consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 win over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions. Playing Minutes & Squad Factors The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international. Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players while there is a case to be made suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they won. There is also the reality the striker did not have a full pre-season before joining, and missed squad sessions with his former club when he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal. Scoring History and Anticipations However Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, that scored 97 goals across 102 games for his previous club in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club. The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was signed in to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first trophy since 2020. Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening matches while showered compliments on the forward regarding his work which often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself. Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate". At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would open up opportunities for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward. Statistical Analysis The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to be more direct. This is partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play similar to Havertz, rather his strength is considered as running between the two defenders toward the gaps in behind. Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that may free the striker for a chance. This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across ten games, with one being from a spot-kick. Strategic Adjustments & Team Support The Gunners struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the title race, so their new style is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly. The team are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances. One of Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot however that was when the English winger had already been replaced in the five-nil win over United. The manager said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet it was Saka who assumed the penalty during the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this term. Squad Member Support & Belief Saka, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive. "I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka stated after the match with West Ham. "There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team. "He's a significant component why 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 are doubts. He's still positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing his best each match." Future Outlook Regarding The Striker It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better. Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation. Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized. Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g