🔗 Share this article

Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their opening ten matches, but it has not been as straightforward for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals during his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net for 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory against West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Time and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches across six from Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's most reliable players and exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, and missed squad training at his former club as he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 times in 102 appearances with his previous club during two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, yet he represents a player that was brought in to help the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the opening matches while showered compliments on the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is considered as making runs between both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are looking to find the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances across ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a defensive setup last season as they fell away during the title race, so their new style is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick but this occurred when Saka was already been substituted during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains up, he continues to be happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been placed into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

The striker represents a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g