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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition has not found the net in six matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham for his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be had that Havertz might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped team sessions with Sporting when he looked to secure a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Anticipations

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

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since the team are securing victories currently, yet he is an athlete who was signed to the club to help the team across the finish line as they try to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening games and showered compliments on the striker for his work which can go under the radar when the chance has arisen itself.

Following the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while commended the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed an expectation his inclusion would create the space for the various attacking players the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get possession between the lines faster and have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to link play like Havertz, but his strength is felt as making runs between both centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, however he has only mustered seven shots on target with those opportunities across 10 matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to generate more chances.

One of the striker's three goals this season came from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka was already been replaced in the five-nil win over Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the victory over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support & Belief

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

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really impressively," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham.

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

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

The striker began the campaign attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being placed into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

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