🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have made a remarkable start this campaign, winning 8 from their first 10 games, however it's been less as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition has not scored in six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Swedish striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham for his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during big road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while missed squad sessions at Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer toward north London.

Scoring History and Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances with Sporting in his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in goals aren't a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete that was signed in to get the squad over the line while they try to secure their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the opening matches while showered praise upon the striker for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive players Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper to link play like the German, but whose strength is considered as running through the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely managed seven shots on target with those opportunities across ten matches, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign as they fell away in the title race, so their revised style is designed to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil win over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that took the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

Saka, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not signs to show things will get better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

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