🔗 Share this article

Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 of their opening ten games, however it's been less as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

Following three goals in his first 4 matches, this expensive signing hasn't scored in six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's key players while exists a case to be had suggesting the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big away fixtures against the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped team training with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, that notched 97 times in 102 appearances for Sporting in two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in goals are not an issue as the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents a player who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's effort during the initial games and heaped praise upon the forward for his contributions which can go under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the various offensive players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be making runs between both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

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

This is shown by the twenty-three chances the forward has had, but he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances in ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised style aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot however that was when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker might be first choice for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains positive, he continues to be content and he's consistently giving his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will get better.

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

The German's injury has meant he has been placed into circumstances earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a eager runner and consistently looks for {space|g