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Arsenal have made a strong beginning to the campaign, winning 8 from their opening ten matches, but it's been less quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his initial four matches, this £64m acquisition hasn't scored in six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of Arteta's key players while there is a case to be made that the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this season - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, and missed team training at his former club when he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 games with his previous club during two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

His lack of goals are not an issue as the team are winning currently, yet he is a player that was signed in to get the team over the line while they attempt to secure their first trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while heaped compliments on the forward regarding his contributions that can go under the radar when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and praised his "work-rate".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up the space for the various attacking talents Arsenal have behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to connect passes like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt as making runs through both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the central players are looking to find the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances in 10 matches, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded during the title race, and their new approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores this season came from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil victory against United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet it was Saka who assumed the penalty during the win over the Hammers while both were on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka stated after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.

The striker started the campaign playing to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances sooner compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g