🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 of their first ten games, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his first four games, the expensive signing hasn't found the net in six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than Arteta initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key players while exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in big road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not have complete pre-season before arriving, while missed team sessions at his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who scored 97 goals in one hundred two appearances with his previous club in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are winning at the moment, but he represents a player that was brought in to get the team across the finish line while they attempt to secure their first title after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the initial matches and showered praise upon the forward for his work that often goes under the radar when the chance has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this season to get the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play like Havertz, but his strength is considered as making runs through both defenders and into the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could release the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a low block last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new approach is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but that was when Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory against United.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka who took the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the English winger could be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still content and he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will get improved.

The striker began the campaign playing to recover with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

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