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Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the season, securing victories in eight of their opening ten matches, however it has not been as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals during his first four games, the expensive acquisition has not found the net in 6 consecutive games, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Swedish striker an embrace after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's key squad members and there is a case to be had that Havertz might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped squad training at Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, that scored 97 times across one hundred two games with Sporting during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in goals are not an issue as the team are winning currently, but he represents an athlete that was brought in to get the squad across the finish line as they try to secure their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective & Team Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of the striker's effort in the opening matches and showered praise upon the striker for his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the chance has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' victory over Olympiacos, he called the forward's performance "outstanding" while commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up opportunities for the multiple offensive players the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to move possession between the lines faster while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper to connect passes similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered to be making runs through both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find the ball that may release Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has merely managed 7 shots on target from those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to penetrate opponents employing defensive setup previous campaign as they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to damage opponents while playing quickly.

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

One of Gyokeres' three goals so far came from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted during the five-nil win against United.

Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty in the victory over West Ham when both were on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman said after the match against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't think there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than possibly anticipated - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker while consistently seeks out {space|g