🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing a strong start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening 10 matches, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores during his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing has not scored for six consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first ten matches - more than Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key squad members and there is an argument to be had that Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not have a full pre-season prior to arriving, and skipped team training with his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games with Sporting in his two seasons at the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player who was signed in to get the squad over the line while they try to win their initial trophy after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games and heaped praise upon the striker for his work that often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented itself.

Following of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a low block last season when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of the striker's 3 goals this season came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 win over Leeds.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka who took the penalty in the victory over the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing extremely well," the Englishman stated after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will become improved.

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

The German's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while consistently seeks out {space|g