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Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 games, however it's been less quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial four games, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for 6 consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while exists a case to be had that Havertz would have started instead of the Swedish striker during important away matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat this season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad training with his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact signing, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 games for his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring are not a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player that was signed in to get the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their first title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches and heaped compliments upon the forward for his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he described the forward's display "exceptional" while praised his "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the various attacking players the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift deeper to link play like the German, but whose strength is considered as making runs through both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are looking to find the ball that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has received, however he has merely mustered seven attempts on goal with those chances across ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign as they faded during the title race, so their new style is designed to damage the opposition while playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted in the five-nil victory over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick in the win over the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka stated post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently providing his best each match."

Future Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get improved.

The striker began the campaign attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a eager runner and constantly seeks out {space|g