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Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their opening 10 matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his first four games, this £64m signing has not scored in six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he gave the Sweden forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham for his efforts.

Game Minutes & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager planned for, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted players and there is a case to be had suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in big away matches against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped squad sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move toward Arsenal.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, that notched ninety-seven times across 102 games with Sporting in his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

His drought in scoring aren't an issue as the team are winning at the moment, yet he represents an athlete who was brought in to get the team across the finish line as they try to secure their first title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening games and showered praise upon the forward regarding his contributions which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, existed a belief his inclusion would create the space for the various offensive talents Arsenal possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their tactics to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drift deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered as running through both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances the forward has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those chances in ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

Among Gyokeres' three scores this season originated from a spot-kick but this occurred when the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil win over United.

The manager said the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that took the penalty during the win over West Ham when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

Saka, that completed his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there are not signs to show situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

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