🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight of their first ten matches, but it has not been as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't scored for six matches, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Game Time & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's most trusted players while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big road matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, while missed squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to secure a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents a player who was signed to the club to get the squad over the line as they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of Gyokeres' work rate during the opening games while showered compliments on the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and praised the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would create opportunities for the various offensive talents the team possess supporting him in 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 more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be running between both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are attempting to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup last season when they faded in the title race, so their new approach aims to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot but that was when the English winger had already been replaced in the five-nil win against United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's consistently giving his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a willing runner while consistently seeks out {space|g