🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have made a strong start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening 10 games, but it has not been as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores during his first four games, the expensive signing hasn't scored in 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key players while exists an argument to be made that the German would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this season - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker didn't have complete pre-season before joining, while missed team sessions with his former club when he attempted to force through a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring History and Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that notched 97 times in 102 appearances for his previous club during his two seasons with the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed in to get the squad over the line while they try to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's effort in the opening matches while showered praise upon the striker regarding his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and praised his "work-rate".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents in part to extract the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield and link play like Havertz, rather whose strength is felt to be making runs between both defenders and into the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a low block last season as they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka who assumed the penalty during the win over West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka said after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting catch-up regarding his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g