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

Following three goals in his first four matches, the expensive acquisition hasn't scored for six consecutive games, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Playing Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - more than Arteta planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's most trusted players and there is an argument to be made suggesting the German would have started instead of Gyokeres during big road matches against the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't have a full summer preparation before arriving, and skipped squad training with his former club when he looked to force through a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Anticipations

However the Swedish international represents a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 goals in one hundred two appearances with his previous club during two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't an issue as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is an athlete that was brought in to help the squad over the line as they try to secure their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of the striker's work rate in the opening matches and showered compliments upon the striker for his contributions that often goes unnoticed when the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he described the striker's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create the space to benefit the various offensive talents the team possess supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their style this season to get the ball through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to become more direct.

This is in part to extract the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt as making runs through both defenders toward the gaps behind them.

Observing Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are looking to find passes that may release the striker for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has merely mustered 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes and Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents in a low block previous campaign when they faded in the title race, so their new approach is designed to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three goals so far came from a spot-kick however that was when the English winger was already been replaced during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The manager said the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club in an interview with the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international that took the penalty in the victory over West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Teammate Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

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

"Without question he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's still providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres started the campaign attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - this has also caused the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner while constantly looks for {space|g