Three practical ways Arsenal can get the best from Viktor Gyökeres after the break

# Quick summary Viktor Gyökeres has started the season without a goal in five appearances for Arsenal and had limited playing time. Kai Havertz's recent injury on international duty creates an opening for Gyökeres to regain confidence and impact. The club can pursue three concrete approaches after the international break: play to his strengths, give him more minutes, or explore a system change that suits him better.

1) Play to his strengths

Gyökeres has struggled when Arsenal's play is deliberately slow and possession-heavy. The forward has shown better output when the team uses longer passes into the channels, enabling him to make demanding runs and take defenders on while carrying the ball.

Practical adjustments for match plans:

• Increase the number of long passes or switches aimed at the half-spaces and channels behind fullbacks.
• Ask creators to attempt direct through-balls instead of always recycling possession around the box.

These changes don't require a wholesale tactical overhaul. They are about selecting moments to play direct into Gyökeres' strengths so he gets more high-quality chances.

2) Give him more time on the pitch

• Last season, 14 of his 21 goals came in the second half, suggesting he is more likely to score the longer he stays on the pitch.

• Use Gyökeres as the starter in matches where Arsenal expect to play faster or counterattack.
• Give him consistent 60–90 minute opportunities rather than single 10–20 minute appearances.
• Rotate with Havertz once the latter is fit to maintain competitive tension and match fitness across both players.

3) Explore a system change

The most significant option is adjusting the formation. Mikel Arteta usually deploys a single striker, but a temporary switch to two forwards or a hybrid front could create space and complementary roles for Gyökeres.

• Pair Gyökeres with a second forward who operates in the half-space, allowing him to run the channels more freely.
• Use a 4-2-2-2 or 4-4-2 diamond in games where opponents leave gaps between midfield and defence.
• Designate clearer roles so Gyökeres receives direct service rather than being required to drop deep to participate in buildup.

A system tweak should be targeted and short-term: test combinations in cup matches or lower-risk fixtures before committing in major league games.

Bottom line