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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong beginning to the season, winning eight of their opening ten games, however it's been less as easy for new striker the Swedish attacker.

Following 3 scores during his initial four games, this expensive signing has not found the net in 6 consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham for his efforts.

Playing Minutes and Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than the manager planned for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key squad members and exists a case to be had suggesting the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat of the season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team training with Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer toward north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who scored ninety-seven times in 102 games with his previous club in two seasons with the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are winning currently, but he is an athlete who was signed to the club to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their initial title since 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' effort in the initial matches and showered praise upon the striker regarding his work which can go under the radar when the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he described the striker's performance "exceptional" and praised his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, existed an expectation his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him including Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered as running 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 release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown in the 23 chances Gyokeres has received, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target with those chances across ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their new style aims to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among the striker's 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot but that was at a time Saka had already been replaced in the 5-0 victory over United.

The manager said the Swedish striker is the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet it was the English international that assumed the penalty during the win against the Hammers while both were on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be first choice for penalties this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman stated post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - how he retains possession, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still happy and he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his fitness following a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been placed into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

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