Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning this campaign, winning eight of their first ten matches, but it hasn't proven as easy for new forward the Swedish attacker.
After three goals during his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't scored in six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his efforts.
Game Minutes & Team Dynamics
The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.
The German player represents one of Arteta's key players and there is an argument to be made that the German would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures versus the Reds - Arsenal's only loss of the campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions at his former club when he attempted to secure a move to north London.
Scoring Record & Anticipations
But the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven goals in 102 games for his previous club during his two seasons with the Portuguese team.
His drought in goals aren't a problem since the team are winning currently, but he represents a player that was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their first trophy since 2020.
Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation
The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort in the initial matches and heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work which can go under the radar when the opportunity has presented to do so.
In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" while praised the player's "work-rate".
At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.
Numerical Breakdown
Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move possession through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.
This represents in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes similar to the German, but his primary attribute is felt as running through the two defenders and into the gaps in behind.
Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.
This is shown by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target with those chances in 10 games, including one coming via the penalty spot.
Tactical Adjustments and Team Support
Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a low block previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.
The team are likewise delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.
Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.
Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger could be first choice to take them this season.
Squad Member Support and Confidence
The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.
"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.
"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing his best every game."
Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres
It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs to show things will become improved.
The striker began the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning following a disrupted pre-season.
Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.
Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g
