🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have made an impressive start to the campaign, winning 8 of their first 10 matches, but it has not been quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, the £64m signing has not found the net in 6 matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's two-nil win against West Ham for his efforts.

Game Time and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key squad members and exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres during big away matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have complete pre-season before arriving, while missed squad sessions with his former club when he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring Record and Expectations

But the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two games with his previous club in his two seasons with the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals aren't an issue as the team are winning currently, yet he is an athlete that was signed in to get the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while heaped compliments upon the striker for his work which can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" while praised the player's "effort level".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would create the space for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather his strength is felt to be running through the two defenders toward the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances the forward has received, however he has only managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's 3 scores this season came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger had already been substituted during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international who assumed the penalty in the win against West Ham when both were on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, that made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will become improved.

The striker began the season attempting catch-up regarding his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked have been highlighted.

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