🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have made an impressive start to the campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores in his initial 4 matches, this £64m signing hasn't scored for six matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after the weekend's two-nil win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be had that the German would have started instead of Gyokeres in important away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have a full pre-season before joining, and skipped squad training at his former club when he looked to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven goals across 102 games with his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in goals aren't an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he is a player that was brought in to help the squad over the line while they attempt to win their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's effort during the opening matches while showered praise on the striker for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the striker's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to be more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield to link play like Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs between both defenders toward the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances the forward has received, but he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season when they fell away in the title race, and their new style aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

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

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the penalty during the victory against the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he's still content and he's still providing his best every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show things will get improved.

The striker started the season playing catch-up regarding his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g