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The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning eight from their opening ten matches, but it's been less as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores during his first 4 games, this £64m signing hasn't scored for six consecutive games, as manager the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace after the weekend's 2-0 win against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's first ten games - beyond the manager planned him to play, with the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members and there is an argument to be made that the German might have been selected instead of the Swedish striker in important away matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only loss of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not have a full pre-season before arriving, and missed team training at Sporting as he looked to force through a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring History & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals in one hundred two games for his previous club during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

His lack of goals aren't a problem since the team are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player that was brought to the club to help the team over the line as they attempt to secure their first title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening games and heaped praise upon the forward for his contributions that can go unnoticed whenever the chance has presented to do so.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "exceptional" while commended the player's "effort level".

When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, there was an expectation his inclusion would create opportunities to benefit the multiple offensive talents the team have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their approach this season to move possession between the lines more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is in part to extract the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt to be making runs through both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking for passes that may free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only managed seven shots on target from those chances in ten matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 scores this season came from a spot-kick however this occurred at a time the English winger had already been substituted in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for the sports network, yet it was Saka that took the spot-kick in the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, implying the England winger might be first choice for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," the Englishman said post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative of what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he gives the team.

"He's a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in him. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still happy and he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

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

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

The German's injury has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances earlier than perhaps planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders behind him which haven't fully developed are being emphasized.

Gyokeres represents a willing runner and constantly looks for {space|g