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The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight from their first ten matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.

After three goals in his initial four games, the expensive signing has not scored in six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden forward a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played full matches in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be had suggesting Havertz might have been selected instead of Gyokeres in big away fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat this season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker did not undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, and skipped team training at his former club as he looked to force through a transfer toward north London.

Scoring Record and Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 times across one hundred two appearances for Sporting in his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning at the moment, but he is a player that was brought in to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their first title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's effort during the initial matches while showered compliments upon the forward for his contributions which can go under the radar when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he described the forward's display "outstanding" and commended his "effort level".

When the club signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, that does not look to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is felt as making runs through the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find the ball that could free the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal with those chances across 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate sides in a low block previous campaign as they fell away during the title race, so their new style is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.

The team are likewise crossing the ball more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

One of the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil victory over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion for the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were on the field, implying the English winger could be the primary option to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely impressively," Saka said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still positive, he's still happy and he's still providing his best each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there are not signs suggesting situations will get improved.

The striker began the campaign playing to recover with his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into circumstances earlier compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner while consistently looks for {space|g