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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, winning eight from their opening 10 games, but it's been less quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals during his first four games, this expensive acquisition has not found the net for 6 consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key squad members and there is a case to be made that the German might have started instead of the Swedish striker during important away matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have complete summer preparation prior to joining, while skipped squad training with his former club as he looked to force through a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who notched ninety-seven times across one hundred two games with Sporting in two seasons with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents a player who was signed to the club to get the team over the line while they attempt to secure their initial title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown recognition for the striker's work rate during the opening matches while showered praise upon the forward for his work which often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and commended the player's "work-rate".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create the space to benefit the multiple offensive players the team possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drop into midfield and link play similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is felt as making runs between both defenders and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target from those chances across 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides employing defensive setup last season as they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to damage the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of the striker's three scores so far originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil win over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who assumed the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

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

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a big part why we're winning these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he's still happy and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't indicators suggesting things will get better.

The striker began the season playing catch-up with his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker while consistently seeks out {space|g