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Arsenal have made an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their opening 10 games, however it has not been as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his first four matches, the expensive signing has not found the net in six matches, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager planned for, with the fitness issue to the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members while exists an argument to be had that Havertz might have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss this season - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season before joining, and skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, who scored ninety-seven goals in one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two seasons at the Portuguese club.

His drought in goals are not an issue as the team are winning at the moment, but he represents a player who was signed in to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their first title after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation of the striker's work rate in the initial games and showered praise upon the striker regarding his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

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

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a feeling his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This represents in part to get the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes like the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt as making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across ten matches, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign when they faded during the title race, and their revised approach is designed to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but it was the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham when both were on the pitch, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really well," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful of what he delivers - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing his best each match."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will get improved.

The striker began the season playing to recover with his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

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