🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight from their first ten matches, however it has not been quite as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his first 4 matches, this £64m acquisition hasn't scored for six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish striker a hug following the weekend's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable squad members while exists an argument to be made suggesting Havertz would have started in place of the Swedish striker in big road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full pre-season before joining, while missed team training with Sporting as he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances with his previous club during two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since the team are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches while heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work which can go under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create opportunities for the various attacking talents the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

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

This represents in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt as running between the two defenders toward the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents employing defensive setup last season as they faded in the title race, and their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty in the victory against West Ham while both were present on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives 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 and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content and he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will become better.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

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