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Arsenal are experiencing a strong beginning to the season, winning eight of their first ten matches, however it has not been as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores during his initial 4 games, the expensive acquisition has not found the net in 6 matches, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden forward a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory against West Ham for his contributions.

Playing Time & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - more than the manager planned for, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key squad members while there is a case to be had that Havertz would have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important road matches versus Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, and missed squad training with his former club when he looked to secure a transfer toward north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven goals across one hundred two games for Sporting in his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

His lack of goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he represents a player that was signed in to get the team across the finish line as they attempt to secure their first title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition of the striker's effort in the initial matches while heaped praise on the forward regarding his contributions that can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's victory against the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and praised his "effort level".

At the time the club acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster while have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper to link play like Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered as running through the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has merely managed 7 attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents employing low block previous campaign when they faded during the title race, so their new approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores this season came from a spot-kick however this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that took the penalty in the victory against West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's performing really, really impressively," Saka said after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. What he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're winning these games. His scoring will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to state it has not been the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will get better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances sooner than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager movement maker and constantly looks for {space|g