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Arsenal have made a remarkable beginning this season, securing victories in 8 of their opening 10 games, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals in his first 4 matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net for six matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish striker a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win over West Ham in recognition of his hard work.

Game Minutes and Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder limiting the ability the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of the manager's key squad members and exists a case to be made that Havertz might have started in place of the Swedish striker in big road fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole loss this campaign - the Magpies plus the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo a full pre-season prior to arriving, while skipped team sessions with Sporting when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting in two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in scoring are not an issue since the team are winning currently, but he is a player who was brought in to get the team across the finish line as they attempt to win their first title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has shown an appreciation for the striker's work rate during the initial games and heaped compliments on the forward for his contributions which often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he described the forward's performance "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club acquired Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up the space for the various offensive players Arsenal possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have changed their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the best from Gyokeres, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and link play similar to the German, rather whose strength is considered as making runs through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find passes that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities the forward has had, however he has only managed seven attempts on goal from those opportunities across ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block last season as they faded during the title race, and their revised style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka had already been replaced during the five-nil victory over Leeds.

The manager stated Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that assumed the penalty in the win against West Ham when both were present on the field, implying the English winger might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

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

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still content while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Outlook for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

Gyokeres represents a willing movement maker and consistently looks for {space|g