🔗 Share this article

The Gunners are experiencing a strong beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening 10 matches, however it's been less quite as easy for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals in his initial 4 matches, this expensive signing has not found the net in six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key players and there is an argument to be made that Havertz might have started in place of Gyokeres in big away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not have complete summer preparation before joining, while skipped squad sessions with his former club when he looked to force through a transfer toward north London.

Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for Sporting during his two seasons with the Portuguese club.

His lack of goals are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is an athlete that was brought in to get the team across the finish line as they attempt to win their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games and showered praise upon the forward regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and connect passes similar to the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt as running between the two defenders and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities across 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new approach is designed to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

The team are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 scores this season originated from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 victory against United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

Saka, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators to show things will become better.

The striker started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g