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Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning this campaign, winning 8 of their opening 10 matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals during his first four matches, the £64m signing hasn't found the net for six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish striker a hug following the weekend's 2-0 victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes and Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted players while exists a case to be made that Havertz would have been selected in place of Gyokeres during important away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat of the season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad training at his former club as he looked to secure a move to north London.

Scoring Record and Anticipations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who notched 97 goals across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem as Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was signed in to help the squad over the line while they attempt to secure their first title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

Arteta has shown an appreciation of the striker's effort in the opening games and showered compliments upon the striker for his work that often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" and praised the player's "work-rate".

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this season to move the ball between the lines faster while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents in part to extract the best out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play like the German, rather his strength is felt as running between the two defenders toward the space behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that could release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has had, but he has only managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities in 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their new style aims to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three scores so far originated from a spot-kick but that was when Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil win against Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the penalty during the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the England winger might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's consistently providing his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not signs to show things will become improved.

The striker started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations earlier compared to possibly planned - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

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