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Arsenal have made a strong start to the season, securing victories in 8 from their opening 10 matches, however it's been less quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals during his first 4 games, the expensive signing hasn't scored in 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's most trusted players while there is an argument to be had suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important away fixtures against the Reds - Arsenal's only loss of the season - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker did not have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while missed team sessions at his former club as he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals in one hundred two games with his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has shown an appreciation of the striker's effort in the opening games and heaped praise upon the forward regarding his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

When the club signed the Swedish international, existed a belief his presence would open up the space for the various offensive players the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their style this season to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to extract the best from Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield and link play like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt to be running through the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has only managed seven shots on target from those opportunities across ten matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the title race, and their revised approach is designed to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three goals so far came from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the penalty in the win against the Hammers while both were present on the field, suggesting the English winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Support & Belief

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 thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's consistently giving his best each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

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

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

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations earlier than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

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