The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning to the campaign, winning eight of their first 10 games, however it's been less as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
After three scores during his first four matches, this £64m acquisition has not found the net in 6 consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win against West Ham in recognition of his hard work.
Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics
The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.
Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be had that the German might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.
Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo a full pre-season before arriving, and missed team sessions at his former club as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.
Scoring Record and Anticipations
However the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, that notched 97 goals across one hundred two appearances with his previous club during his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.
His lack of scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he is a player that was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they attempt to secure their first trophy after 2020.
Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation
Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the opening matches while heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.
In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised his "work-rate".
At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.
Statistical Analysis
The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.
This is in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper and link play similar to Havertz, rather his strength is considered to be making runs between both defenders toward the gaps in behind.
When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.
This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances in 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.
Tactical Changes and Squad Backing
The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block last season when they fell away during the title race, so their new style aims to damage the opposition while playing quickly.
The team are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.
Among the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.
Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview with the sports network, but it was the English international who took the penalty in the victory against the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option to take them this season.
Teammate Encouragement & Belief
Saka, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.
"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.
"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.
"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains up, he's still happy while he's still giving maximum effort every game."
Future Prospects Regarding The Striker
It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show situations will get improved.
The striker began the campaign playing catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.
The striker represents a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g
