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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start this season, securing victories in 8 from their first ten games, however it hasn't proven as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his first four matches, the expensive acquisition has not found the net in six consecutive games, as head coach the Spanish tactician saying he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Game Time and Squad Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 games - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, with the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the capacity the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player represents one of Arteta's most reliable players while there is a case to be made suggesting the German would have been selected in place of Gyokeres in important road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat of the season - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

There is also the fact the striker didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, while skipped squad sessions at his former club as he attempted to force through a move to Arsenal.

Scoring Record and Expectations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, who scored 97 goals across 102 appearances with Sporting during two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's drought in goals are not a problem as the team are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete who was signed in to get the team over the line while they try to win their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the initial games while heaped compliments upon the striker for his contributions which often goes unnoticed whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while commended his "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up the space to benefit the various attacking players the team have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to move possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This represents in part to get the maximum from Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper to link play like the German, rather his primary attribute is felt to be running between both defenders and into the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are attempting to find passes that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only mustered seven shots on target from those chances across 10 games, with one coming via the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Backing

Arsenal struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

Arsenal are also delivering crosses the ball more regularly to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' three scores so far originated from a spot-kick however this occurred when Saka was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over United.

The manager said Gyokeres represents the best penalty taker in the squad in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka who took the spot-kick during the win over West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game against West Ham.

"There's no doubt he will find the net. What he's providing to the squad, we as his team-mates, we are extremely appreciative for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still positive, he continues to be content and he's still giving maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become improved.

The striker began the season attempting to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker is a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g