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The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable beginning to the campaign, securing victories in eight from their opening 10 matches, but it has not been quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores during his initial 4 games, the expensive signing has not scored in six consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his hard work.

Playing Minutes and Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players while there is a case to be made suggesting the German might have started in place of Gyokeres in important away matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss of the campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, while skipped squad sessions with his former club as he looked to force through a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that scored 97 goals across one hundred two appearances for his previous club in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based club.

His lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are winning currently, but he is a player who was signed to the club to get the team across the finish line as they try to win their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the opening games and heaped compliments on the striker regarding his work that can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would create the space to benefit the various attacking players the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to get the ball through midfield faster and have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop into midfield and link play like Havertz, rather whose strength is felt as making runs through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, however he has merely managed seven shots on target from those chances across ten matches, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign as they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores this season originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet it was the English international who took the penalty in the win against the Hammers while both were present on the pitch, implying the English winger might be the primary option to take them this season.

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 the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," Saka said after the match against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting things will become better.

The striker started the season playing to recover with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has meant him being placed into circumstances earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

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