🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have made an impressive start this season, securing victories in eight from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following three scores during his first 4 matches, this £64m signing has not scored for six consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his contributions.

Game Time and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players and there is a case to be had that the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker in important road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped team sessions with his former club when he looked to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, that scored 97 goals in one hundred two appearances for his previous club during two seasons at the Portuguese team.

His lack of goals aren't an issue as the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they try to secure their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the initial games and showered compliments upon the striker regarding his work that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he described the striker's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift deeper to connect passes similar to the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are attempting to find the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across ten games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among the striker's three scores so far originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory over West Ham while both were on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

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

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still content and he's still giving his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators to show situations will get improved.

Gyokeres started the season playing to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier than possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g