🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the campaign, winning eight of their first ten games, but it has not been as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals in his first 4 games, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, with manager the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager planned for, with the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during big road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, while missed squad training at Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, that scored 97 times in 102 games with Sporting during his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue since the team are securing victories currently, but he is an athlete who was brought to the club to help the squad over the line as they try to win their first title after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches while showered praise upon the striker for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities for the multiple offensive players the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper to link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt as making runs through both centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those opportunities across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

One of the striker's three scores this season originated from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the penalty in the victory against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not signs suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting catch-up regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager movement maker while consistently looks for {space|g