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The Gunners are experiencing an impressive start this campaign, securing victories in eight of their opening ten games, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his initial four matches, this £64m signing has not scored in 6 consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Sweden striker a hug after the weekend's two-nil victory over West Ham in recognition of his efforts.

Game Time & Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond Arteta initially intended for, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable players and exists a case to be made that the German would have started in place of Gyokeres during important road fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't have complete summer preparation before arriving, while missed team sessions at Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two games for his previous club during his two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's lack of goals are not an issue as Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the team across the finish line as they try to win their initial trophy since 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the initial matches and heaped praise on the forward regarding his contributions that often goes under the radar when the chance has presented itself.

Following the Gunners' win against the Greek side, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised the player's "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal have behind him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines faster and have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents partially to extract the maximum from Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper to connect passes similar to the German, rather whose strength is considered as making runs between both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are attempting for passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those opportunities across 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style is designed to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

The team are also crossing more regularly more regularly to generate additional opportunities.

Among the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred at a time Saka was already been replaced during the five-nil victory against United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with the sports network, but the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty during the win over the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"In my opinion Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman said post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the danger he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's still providing his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators to show things will become better.

Gyokeres started the campaign playing catch-up with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a eager runner while consistently seeks out {space|g