🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start this season, winning 8 of their opening ten matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial four games, this £64m signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, as manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory against West Ham for his contributions.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted players and there is an argument to be had that the German might have started in place of Gyokeres in big road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss of the campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while missed squad sessions at Sporting when he looked to force through a move to north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that scored 97 times in 102 games with Sporting in his two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since Arsenal are winning currently, but he represents a player who was brought in to get the squad over the line while they try to secure their initial trophy after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' effort in the initial matches while heaped compliments upon the forward for his work that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would open up opportunities for the various offensive talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their style this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the maximum out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to connect passes like the German, but his primary attribute is considered as making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting for passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the title race, so their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of the striker's 3 goals so far originated from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger was already been replaced during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international who took the penalty in the win over West Ham while both were on the field, implying the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner while constantly seeks out {space|g