🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start to the campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, but it has not been as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.

After three goals in his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing has not scored for 6 consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish forward a hug following the weekend's 2-0 win against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most trusted players while there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres in big away fixtures versus the Reds - Arsenal's only loss of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not have complete summer preparation before arriving, and skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 games with Sporting in two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue as the team are securing victories currently, but he represents a player who was brought in to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while heaped compliments upon the striker for his work that often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while commended the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This is in part to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play like the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be running between both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that could release the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has had, but he has merely managed 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded during the title race, and their new style aims to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's three goals so far came from the penalty spot but that was when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that took the penalty in the victory against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will become better.

The striker began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked have been highlighted.

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