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The Gunners are experiencing a strong start this season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 games, but it's been less quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores during his first 4 matches, the expensive signing has not found the net in six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and there is a case to be made suggesting Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres during important road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, and missed squad sessions at his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven goals across 102 games with Sporting in two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents a player who was brought to the club to help the team over the line while they attempt to secure their initial trophy since 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of the striker's effort during the initial games and showered compliments upon the striker for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he described the striker's display "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their style this campaign to move possession through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes similar to the German, but whose strength is felt to be running between both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, but he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in ten games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season as they faded in the title race, and their new approach is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 win against United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet it was Saka that assumed the penalty during the victory against West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really well," the Englishman said post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators to show situations will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances earlier than possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g