🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have made a strong beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening ten games, but it has not been quite as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores during his initial four matches, the expensive acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish striker a hug following the weekend's two-nil win over the Hammers for his efforts.

Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first 10 games - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted players and there is a case to be made that Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres in big away fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete summer preparation before arriving, while skipped team sessions at Sporting as he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven times across 102 games for his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is a player who was brought to the club to help the squad over the line as they try to secure their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the opening games while showered praise on the forward regarding his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would open up opportunities for the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents in part to get the best out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes similar to the German, rather his strength is felt as making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target with those chances across ten matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach aims to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil victory over United.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka who took the spot-kick during the win over West Ham when both were on the pitch, suggesting the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover regarding his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

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