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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, but it has not been quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his first 4 games, the expensive signing has not found the net in 6 matches, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Sweden striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and exists a case to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in big road matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions at Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to north London.

Scoring History & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven times across 102 games with his previous club in his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are winning currently, yet he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort during the initial matches while showered praise upon the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar when the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities for the various offensive players the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this season to get the ball between the lines faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This is partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes like the German, rather whose strength is considered to be running through the two defenders and into the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities in 10 matches, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents employing low block previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of the striker's 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick but that was when Saka was already been replaced during the 5-0 win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the victory over West Ham while both were present on the field, suggesting the England winger might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he's still content and he's consistently giving his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been placed into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

The striker is a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g