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The Gunners are experiencing an impressive beginning this season, winning eight of their opening ten matches, but it's been less quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his first four games, this £64m acquisition hasn't scored for six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following the weekend's 2-0 victory against the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond Arteta initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted squad members and there is a case to be made suggesting the German might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big road fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season before joining, and skipped squad training with his former club when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

But the Swedish international represents a win-now signing, that notched 97 times across 102 appearances for Sporting in two seasons with the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of scoring are not an issue since the team are winning currently, yet he represents a player who was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their initial title since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Team Integration

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the opening matches and heaped praise upon the striker regarding his contributions which can go under the radar when the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he described the striker's performance "outstanding" while commended his "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, existed an expectation his inclusion would create opportunities for the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their style this season to move possession through midfield faster while have adjusted their tactics to be more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield to link play like the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through both defenders toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for the ball that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, however he has only mustered seven attempts on goal with those opportunities across ten matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Support

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup last season when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new approach aims to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise delivering crosses the ball more regularly to create more chances.

One of the striker's three scores so far originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 win against United.

The manager said the Swedish striker is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka that assumed the penalty during the win against West Ham while both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

Saka, who made his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely well," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's bringing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these games. 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 remains up, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing his best each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators to show things will become better.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked are being highlighted.

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