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Arsenal have made a strong beginning to the season, winning eight of their opening 10 games, but it has not been as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his first four matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net for six consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players and exists an argument to be made that the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during important away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole loss this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed squad training at Sporting as he attempted to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who notched 97 times in 102 appearances with his previous club during two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was brought in to get the squad over the line as they try to secure their initial title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort during the initial games and heaped compliments on the forward for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various attacking players the team have supporting him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift deeper to connect passes like the German, but his strength is felt as running through the two defenders toward the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are looking to find passes that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, however he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three goals so far came from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka had already been replaced during the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to Saka that assumed the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman said post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We're aware, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get better.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker represents a eager runner while consistently seeks out {space|g