🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten matches, however it's been less as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his first 4 matches, this £64m acquisition hasn't scored for six matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be had that Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres during big road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have a full pre-season before joining, and skipped squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for his previous club in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's lack of goals aren't a problem since Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he is a player who was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the opening games while showered praise on the striker regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended his "work-rate".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt as running between the two centre-backs and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed seven shots on target from those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick however that was when Saka was already been substituted during the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the penalty during the win over West Ham while both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He's still positive, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not signs suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g