The lack of a top-class striker undoubtedly played a key role in Arsenal’s failure to win major silverware at home and abroad over the past few seasons.

The summer acquisition of striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP inevitably generated excitement amongst the fans and a wave of activity in the online betting industry.

Arsenal fans flocked to the sportsbooks linked to new UK casinos to wager on the Gunners ending their long wait to win the Premier League title after Gyokeres was signed.

Mikel Arteta’s side handed those bettors an excellent start to the campaign as they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Manchester United on Sunday.

However, Gyokeres struggled to make an impact, recording just three touches in the opposition box and zero shots before he was substituted after an hour.

His tally of 22 touches was the second fewest on either side among the players to start, highlighting how his teammates failed to provide him with any quality service.

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes Gyokeres has the ability to be a big hit in the Premier League, but says he has work to do to fit into the team’s style of play.

“He was a bit vanilla," Dixon told BBC 5 Live. "Players have to fall into the team. When a new player comes in, he’s trying so hard to make an impact.

“The patterns just didn’t seem to work for him. There’s a player there, there’s no doubt about it. His goal record is fantastic and that’s why Mikel signed him."

Arteta claimed he was relatively satisfied with Gyokeres’ performance, although he acknowledged that there is still plenty of room for improvement.

“He did a lot of things very good,” Arteta said (h/t Arsenal’s official website). “You can tell, especially in our high pressing, the rhythm that we demand, especially in the first half, we're giving a bit too much time. It's something that we have to work on, especially there.

“And then in the finalising situation, he didn't have that many chances to do that because, as I said, on the previous action before we had to play that last ball that the line was standing still with forty metres behind, we managed to put the ball through to exploit his quality.

“But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it's a good start.”

Arteta’s comments that they will be working hard to get the best out of the Swedish striker will be music to the ears of the club’s fans.

Arsenal’s system has been heavily structured under Arteta, often resulting in players taking the safe option rather than playing risky passes.

However, Gyokeres thrives on balls being played in early behind the defensive line, and Arsenal must adapt to ensure they capitalise on his strengths.

New signing Martin Zubimendi has the ability to play those types of passes and must be given the freedom to demonstrate his skills in that area.

A late move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the summer transfer window would not be a bad idea given his penchant for picking out forward passes other players fail to see.

If Palace had Gyokeres in their line-up at Chelsea on Sunday, they would likely have secured a 2-0 victory on the back of Wharton’s service to him.

Gyokeres’ pace and strength have the potential to be game-changers for Arsenal, but his teammates must be prepared to take risks to fully exploit what he brings to the table.