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Arsenal have made a strong beginning to the campaign, winning 8 of their first ten games, but it has not been as easy for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his first 4 matches, the expensive signing hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Swedish forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Time and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond the manager initially intended for, due to the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of the manager's key players and there is an argument to be had suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker during big away fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo a full pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad training at his former club as he looked to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international represents a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven times across one hundred two games for Sporting in his two campaigns with the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of scoring are not a problem since the team are securing victories currently, yet he represents an athlete who was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they try to win their first title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's effort during the initial games while showered compliments on the forward regarding his contributions which often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" and praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would open up the space to benefit the various offensive players the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This is in part to get the best from Gyokeres, that does not look to drop deeper to link play like Havertz, but whose strength is considered to be making runs between the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for the ball that could release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, however he has only mustered 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments & Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season as they fell away in the title race, so their new approach aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

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

Among Gyokeres' three scores this season came from the penalty spot however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted during the five-nil win against United.

The manager said the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet it was Saka that assumed the penalty during the victory over the Hammers when both were on the field, implying the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against West Ham.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs suggesting situations will get improved.

The striker started the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in him being placed into situations sooner compared to possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with creative players supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g