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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, winning 8 of their first ten games, but it has not been quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't scored in six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted players while there is an argument to be had that the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important away fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't have a full pre-season before joining, and skipped squad training with Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

But the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games for Sporting during his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he is a player who was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they attempt to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's effort during the opening matches while heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work which often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented itself.

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

When the club signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This is in part to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be running between the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find the ball that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, however he has only managed seven shots on target with those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a low block last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new approach aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced during the 5-0 win over Leeds.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but it was the English international who took the penalty in the victory over the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

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

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there are doubts. He's still positive, he's still content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner and consistently seeks out {space|g