🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start to the campaign, winning eight of their opening 10 matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After three scores during his initial 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted players and exists an argument to be made suggesting the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not have complete pre-season before arriving, while skipped team sessions with his former club when he attempted to secure a transfer to north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games with his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's lack of goals aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, yet he represents a player that was signed to the club to help the squad over the line as they attempt to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's work rate during the opening matches while heaped compliments upon the striker regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "outstanding" and commended his "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their style this season to move possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is in part to get the maximum out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drop deeper to link play similar to the German, rather his strength is felt as making runs through both defenders and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has merely managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign when they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil win against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the win over the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really well," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's consistently 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, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g