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The Gunners have made a strong beginning to the season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, but it's been less as straightforward for recent striker the Swedish attacker.

After 3 goals in his initial four matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't found the net for 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches across six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than Arteta initially intended for, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while there is a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres in important road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo a full summer preparation prior to joining, while missed squad sessions with his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, that notched ninety-seven times across one hundred two appearances with his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning currently, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to help the squad over the line as they attempt to secure their first trophy since two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort in the opening games while heaped praise upon the forward for his contributions that often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" and praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the various attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move the ball through midfield faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best from Gyokeres, who does not look to drift into midfield to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered to be making runs between both defenders and into the space behind them.

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

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has merely managed seven shots on target from those chances across 10 games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a low block previous campaign as they faded in the title race, and their revised approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

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

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, yet it was the English international who assumed the spot-kick in the win over the Hammers when both were present on the field, suggesting the England winger might be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't think there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover regarding his fitness following an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant him being placed into situations earlier than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker is a willing movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g