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The Gunners have made a strong start to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 goals in his first four games, this £64m signing has not found the net for six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he offered the Sweden striker an embrace after the weekend's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than the manager planned for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members and exists a case to be made that the German might have been selected in place of Gyokeres during important road matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation before arriving, while skipped team training with Sporting when he looked to force through a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who notched 97 goals in one hundred two games for his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, but he represents a player that was brought to the club to get the team over the line as they try to secure their first title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort in the initial games while showered compliments upon the striker for his work that can go under the radar when the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he called the striker's display "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

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

This represents in part to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper and link play like Havertz, rather his strength is considered as making runs between both defenders and into the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find passes that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

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

Strategic Adjustments and Team Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup last season as they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka was already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over United.

The manager said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick in the win over West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the England winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his 200th English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content and he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed are being highlighted.

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