Arsenal are still adjusting to a different profile up front, as Viktor Gyokeres settles into life in north London following his summer transfer switch.
Plenty of fans and pundits have been screaming out for Mikel Arteta to add a prolific striker to the ranks, and they did just that.
Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal came with the promise of goals, following his impressive spell with Sporting CP in Portugal.
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There was some uncertainty as to how well the Swedish international would adjust to life in the Premier League, along with a change in style for his club in the Champions League.
Viktor Gyokeres has scored some goals early on, but there are still some doubts surrounding his early time at Arsenal, with questions about his tactical fit.
Viktor Gyokeres reacts during Athletic Club vs Arsenal in the Champions League
Photo by Juanma – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Ally McCoist suggests Arsenal cross earlier to help Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal has come with plenty of anticipation, with fans hopeful that he is the missing piece of the puzzle.
There have been some signs that he could do that, finding the back of the net a few times already for the team.
However, he has also cut an isolated figure at times, which will come as something of a concern.
It will take some adjustment, from both Arsenal and Gyokeres, with Ally McCoist believing that one tactical change could help the striker.
Speaking during Athletic Club vs Arsenal, the former striker said on TNT Sports: “There’s nobody more than me that I have said Arsenal could really do with an out-and-out goal-scoring centre-forward. They’ve got one now.
“And I think there’s a certain degree they’re gonna have to change their style a little bit and play to play to his [Gyokeres’] strengths, and that’s perhaps put some earlier deliveries into the box for the centre forward.”
Arsenal have been accused of not taking risks in the final third, something that may have to change to get Gyokeres into the game more often.
He is a very different profile from Kai Havertz, who acts as a player who knits together possession.
Given how much the Gunners have adjusted to playing with him, it may be time to add some different elements to their game, with a new profile of striker in the team.
Viktor Gyokeres is treated for a head injury during Athletic Club vs Arsenal
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal face a repeat of Manchester City’s problem with Erling Haaland
In adding a player like Gyokeres to the team, Arsenal may well have to find a different way to play to get the most out of him.
They aren’t the only team who have had to adjust in recent seasons, following the addition of a goal-scoring forward.
Rivals Manchester City had to do similar with Erling Haaland, a player in a similar mould to that of Gyokeres.
He is a striker who causes problems with space behind the defensive line, while also being a penalty box presence.
Haaland isn’t involved much in the play, but Man City have found ways to get him in the best possible scenarios to score regularly.
It’s on Arsenal to find a way to do the same for their summer signing, otherwise they risk further struggles in front of goal.