🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first ten games, however it's been less as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, this expensive acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted players and exists a case to be made that the German might have started instead of Gyokeres in important away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, and missed team training with his former club when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven goals in one hundred two appearances for Sporting during two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning currently, yet he represents an athlete that was brought to the club to get the squad over the line while they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches while heaped praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play like Havertz, but whose strength is felt to be making runs between both centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

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

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only mustered seven shots on target from those chances in ten games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block last season as they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far came from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 win over United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka who took the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option to take them this term.

Teammate Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting situations will become better.

The striker started the season attempting catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker is a willing movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g