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The Gunners have made an impressive start this season, securing victories in 8 of their first 10 games, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals in his first 4 games, this £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players while exists a case to be made that the German would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during important away matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo complete pre-season before arriving, while skipped squad sessions with his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record and Expectations

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

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since the team are securing victories currently, yet he is an athlete that was signed to the club to help the team over the line while they attempt to secure their first trophy since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort in the initial games and showered praise upon the forward for his work which often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his inclusion would create the space for the multiple attacking players Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and link play like Havertz, but whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities in ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents in a low block last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents by maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted in the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty in the victory over West Ham when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there aren't indicators to show situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g