🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong beginning this season, securing victories in 8 of their first 10 games, however it's been less as easy for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

After three scores in his first four matches, the £64m signing has not found the net for 6 matches, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug following the weekend's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his efforts.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than the manager planned for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players and there is an argument to be had that the German would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 times across one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as the team are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to help the squad across the finish line while they try to win their first title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the initial games and showered praise on the striker regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would create the space to benefit the multiple attacking players the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting to find passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has merely managed seven shots on target with those chances across 10 games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised approach aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

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

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores this season originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka was already been replaced in the five-nil win over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with the sports network, but it was the English international that assumed the penalty during the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the English winger might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely impressively," Saka stated post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been placed into situations sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner while constantly looks for {space|g