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Arsenal have enjoyed a strong beginning this campaign, winning eight of their opening ten games, but it hasn't proven as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his first 4 matches, the expensive acquisition has not found the net for 6 consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug following Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham for his efforts.

Game Time & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's key squad members while there is an argument to be made suggesting Havertz might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have a full pre-season before arriving, while skipped team training at Sporting as he looked to force through a move to north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across one hundred two appearances with Sporting in two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue since Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to help the team over the line as they attempt to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of the striker's effort during the initial games while showered praise upon the striker regarding his work that can go unnoticed when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

When the club signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his presence would create the space to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose strength is felt to be making runs through the two centre-backs toward the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 chances the forward has received, however he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal with those chances across 10 games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes & Team Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season as they fell away during the title race, so their new approach is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores so far came from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview for the sports network, but the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' playing really, really well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not signs to show situations will get better.

The striker began the season playing catch-up with his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been placed into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and constantly looks for {space|g