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The Gunners are experiencing a strong start to the campaign, winning eight from their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker a hug following the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time and Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while there is a case to be had that the German would have been selected in place of Gyokeres during big away matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed squad sessions at his former club when he looked to secure a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games for Sporting in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem as the team are winning at the moment, but he is a player who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they attempt to secure their first title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial matches while showered praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he described the forward's display "outstanding" while commended his "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is in part to get the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play similar to Havertz, rather his primary attribute is considered to be making runs between the two defenders toward the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that may free the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup last season as they faded during the title race, so their revised style is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka who assumed the spot-kick during the win over West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the England winger could be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Support & Belief

Saka, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not signs suggesting things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a willing movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g