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The Gunners are experiencing a strong beginning this campaign, winning 8 from their first ten games, but it's been less as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial 4 matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil win over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager planned for, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of the manager's key squad members while exists an argument to be made suggesting the German would have started instead of Gyokeres during big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad sessions with his former club as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 appearances with his previous club in two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, yet he represents a player that was signed to the club to get the team over the line as they try to win their initial title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' effort in the opening games and showered praise upon the striker regarding his work which often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "exceptional" while praised his "effort level".

When Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would create the space for the various attacking players Arsenal possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to get the best from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield to link play like the German, rather whose primary attribute is considered as making runs through the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for opportunities.

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

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the title race, and their new approach is designed to hurt the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

One of Gyokeres' three goals this season came from a spot-kick but this occurred when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet it was the English international that took the penalty during the victory over the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker might be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still content and he's still giving his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will get better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover with his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker is a willing runner and consistently looks for {space|g