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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive beginning to the season, winning eight of their opening ten games, however it's been less as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't scored in 6 consecutive games, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win against West Ham for his contributions.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than the manager planned for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and there is an argument to be made that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker in big away fixtures versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, and missed squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games for his previous club in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he represents an athlete that was brought to the club to get the squad across the finish line while they try to secure their first trophy since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening games while heaped praise upon the striker regarding his work that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create the space for the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession through midfield more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift deeper to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered as running between both defenders and into the space behind them.

Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are looking to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, however he has merely managed seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides employing low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to create more chances.

One of the striker's 3 scores this season originated from a spot-kick but that was when the English winger was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with the sports network, but it was Saka that took the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the England winger could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

Saka, that completed his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will get improved.

The striker started the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

The striker is a eager movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g