🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in 8 of their first ten games, but it has not been quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his initial 4 games, the expensive signing has not found the net for six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players while there is a case to be made suggesting the German would have started instead of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and missed team sessions at his former club when he attempted to secure a transfer to north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven times across 102 appearances with Sporting during two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals aren't a problem as the team are winning currently, yet he represents a player who was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they attempt to secure their first title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games and showered compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "outstanding" and commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would open up opportunities for the various attacking players Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, but whose strength is felt as making runs between both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a low block last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their new style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores so far came from the penalty spot however that was when Saka had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Support and Belief

Saka, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," Saka stated after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part why we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still happy and he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting things will get better.

The striker started the season attempting to recover with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing runner while constantly seeks out {space|g