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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive beginning to the season, securing victories in 8 of their first ten matches, however it's been less quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores in his initial four matches, the expensive signing has not scored in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham for his contributions.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - beyond the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most reliable players and there is a case to be made that Havertz might have started instead of the Swedish striker in big away matches against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat of the campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo a full summer preparation before joining, and skipped team training at his former club when he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven goals in 102 appearances with his previous club during two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

His lack of goals are not a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, yet he represents a player who was brought in to get the team across the finish line while they try to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Perspective and Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for the striker's effort during the opening matches while heaped praise on the striker regarding his work which often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has presented to do so.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, existed a feeling his inclusion would create the space for the multiple attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather his strength is considered to be making runs through both defenders and into the space in behind.

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

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed seven shots on target with those opportunities in 10 games, including one being from a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes & Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides in a low block previous campaign as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their revised approach aims to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman stated after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component why we're winning these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't think there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked are being emphasized.

The striker represents a eager movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g