🔗 Share this article

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, winning eight of their first ten matches, however it's been less as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After 3 goals during his initial 4 matches, this expensive acquisition has not scored in six matches, as manager Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden striker an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have complete pre-season before joining, while missed team training with his former club as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that notched 97 goals across 102 appearances for Sporting during two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to help the team across the finish line as they try to win their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort in the initial matches and showered compliments on the striker for his work which often goes unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

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

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents the team have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get the ball through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This is in part to get the best out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play like the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered as making runs through the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities in ten matches, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the title race, and their revised style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

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

Among the striker's 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted in the five-nil victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka that took the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

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

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman stated post-game with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will get better.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances earlier than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner and consistently looks for {space|g