🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have made a remarkable start to the campaign, winning eight from their opening ten games, but it has not been as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores during his first four matches, this £64m signing has not scored for six matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists a case to be made that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker during important road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have complete pre-season before joining, while skipped team sessions at his former club when he attempted to secure a move to north London.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first title after 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening matches and showered praise upon the forward regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This is partially to get the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to link play like the German, rather his primary attribute is considered as running between both defenders toward the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has merely mustered seven attempts on goal from those opportunities in 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, so their new style aims to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far came from the penalty spot but that was when the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil victory over United.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the victory against West Ham when both were on the field, implying the English winger could be first choice for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season playing to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g