🔗 Share this article

Arsenal are experiencing a strong start to the campaign, winning 8 from their opening ten games, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his initial 4 matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil win against West Ham for his contributions.

Game Time and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager planned for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's key players while exists an argument to be had suggesting the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker in important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this season - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation before arriving, while skipped team sessions at his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games with Sporting during two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

His lack of goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games while heaped praise on the striker regarding his work which can go under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities for the multiple offensive talents Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper and link play similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is felt as running through the two defenders toward the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has merely mustered seven attempts on goal from those chances across 10 matches, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted in the 5-0 win against United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with the sports network, yet it was the English international that took the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the field, implying the England winger could be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

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

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's still providing his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g