🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start to the campaign, winning eight from their opening 10 matches, however it has not been as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial four matches, the £64m signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish forward an embrace following the weekend's two-nil victory over the Hammers for his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be made that the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and skipped team sessions with his former club as he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, that scored 97 goals in 102 games with Sporting during two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they attempt to secure their first title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening games and heaped praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This is in part to get the best out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is felt as running through the two defenders and into the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for the ball that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances the forward has had, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season when they fell away during the title race, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with the sports network, yet it was Saka that took the spot-kick during the victory over West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting things will get better.

The striker began the season attempting catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker represents a willing movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g