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Arsenal have made an impressive beginning to the season, winning eight from their opening 10 games, however it has not been quite as easy for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his first 4 games, this £64m acquisition has not found the net for 6 matches, as head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted players while exists an argument to be made suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season before joining, and skipped team training at his former club as he looked to force through a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who notched ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances for his previous club in his two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His drought in scoring are not an issue as the team are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player that was signed in to get the team across the finish line while they try to secure their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort in the initial matches while heaped compliments upon the forward regarding his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented to do so.

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

When Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession through midfield faster and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes similar to the German, rather his strength is felt as making runs through the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find passes that may free the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal from those chances across 10 matches, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international who assumed the penalty in the victory against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, who made his 200th Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

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

"Without question he will find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he does - the manner he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he gives us.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be happy while he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will get improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a eager movement maker and constantly seeks out {space|g