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Arsenal have made a strong start to the campaign, securing victories in 8 of their first 10 games, however it has not been as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his first four matches, the expensive signing has not found the net in 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his contributions.

Game Time and Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most trusted squad members while there is a case to be made that Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the reality the striker did not have a full summer preparation before joining, while missed squad training with his former club when he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven times across 102 games with Sporting in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they try to win their first trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while showered compliments on the striker regarding his work that often goes under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper and link play similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through both centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for passes that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered seven shots on target from those chances in ten games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three scores this season came from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger was already been replaced during the five-nil win over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka who took the penalty in the win over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match with West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the season playing to recover regarding his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker is a willing runner while consistently looks for {space|g