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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 from their first 10 games, but it hasn't proven as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals during his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for six matches, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil win against West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Time & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key players while exists an argument to be had that Havertz would have started in place of Gyokeres during important road fixtures against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not have complete pre-season prior to arriving, and skipped team sessions at Sporting when he looked to secure a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who notched 97 goals across one hundred two appearances with Sporting during two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete who was brought in to get the squad over the line as they attempt to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the initial games and showered compliments on the striker for his work that can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" and commended his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple offensive talents Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift into midfield and link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is considered to be running between both defenders toward the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for the ball that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has merely mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances in 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign as they faded during the title race, and their new style aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory over West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the English winger could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka said after the match with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He's a big part why we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We're aware, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still content and he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

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

Gyokeres began the season playing to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into circumstances sooner than perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker is a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g