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Arsenal have made an impressive beginning this campaign, securing victories in eight from their first ten matches, however it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores during his first four matches, this £64m signing hasn't scored in 6 matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician stating he gave the Swedish forward an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time & Team Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's key squad members and exists an argument to be made suggesting Havertz might have started instead of Gyokeres in big road matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss this campaign - the Magpies plus Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped team training at his former club when he attempted to secure a move to north London.

Scoring Record & Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now addition, that notched ninety-seven goals in one hundred two appearances with Sporting during his two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals are not a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player that was brought in to help the team across the finish line as they try to secure their first trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition of Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches while heaped praise on the forward regarding his work that can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over the Greek side, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club signed Gyokeres, there was a belief his inclusion would open up opportunities for the various attacking players Arsenal have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, the creative midfielder and the Brazilian forward.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their style this season to get possession between the lines faster and have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to extract the best from Gyokeres, that does not look to drop deeper to link play like the German, but whose primary attribute is felt to be running through the two defenders toward the space in behind.

When watching Arsenal currently, one can notice the midfielders are looking for passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities the forward has had, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those chances across 10 matches, with one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, so their revised approach aims to hurt opponents while playing quickly.

The team are likewise delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three scores this season came from a spot-kick however that was when Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the top penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international that took the spot-kick during the victory against the Hammers when both were on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners during the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He's a big part of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He remains up, he continues to be content while he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show things will get better.

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

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into circumstances earlier compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner and consistently seeks out {space|g