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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start this season, securing victories in eight of their first ten games, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent forward the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 goals in his initial four matches, the expensive signing has not found the net in six matches, with manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's key players while exists a case to be made suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in big away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss of the season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't have a full summer preparation before joining, and missed squad training with his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

But the Swedish international represents a win-now signing, who notched 97 times across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of scoring aren't an issue as the team are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title since 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening matches while heaped praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which often goes under the radar when the opportunity has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would create the space to benefit the multiple attacking players Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this campaign to get possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This is partially to get the maximum from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes like Havertz, rather his strength is considered as making runs through both defenders and into the gaps in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find passes that may free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, however he has merely managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities across 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides employing defensive setup last season as they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their new approach is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

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

One of the striker's three goals so far originated from the penalty spot however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been replaced during the five-nil win against United.

The manager said Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview for the sports network, yet the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the victory against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the England attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing really, really impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's providing to this team, us 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 provides the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs to show things will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

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