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The Gunners are experiencing a remarkable start this season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 games, however it's been less as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net for six consecutive games, as manager Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's two-nil victory over the Hammers in recognition of his contributions.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's first ten matches - more than the manager initially intended him to play, with the knee injury affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members and exists a case to be had that the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres in important away fixtures against the Reds - Arsenal's only defeat this campaign - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, games that they emerged victorious from.

There is also the fact Gyokeres did not undergo complete pre-season prior to arriving, while skipped team training at Sporting when he looked to secure a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, who notched 97 times across 102 appearances for Sporting in his two seasons at the Portuguese team.

The striker's drought in scoring are not an issue since Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player who was brought to the club to help the squad over the line while they attempt to win their initial title since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the initial matches and heaped praise on the striker for his contributions which can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

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

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various attacking players the team possess behind him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to move possession through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This represents partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes similar to the German, but his primary attribute is considered to be running between both centre-backs toward the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for the ball that may release Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is shown in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, however he has merely mustered seven shots on target with those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides in a defensive setup last season as they faded during the title race, and their new approach aims to damage the opposition while maintaining tempo.

Arsenal are also crossing the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

One of Gyokeres' 3 goals this season came from a spot-kick but that was when the English winger had already been substituted during the 5-0 victory over Leeds.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker represents the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview for ESPN Brazil, but it was Saka who took the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers when both were present on the field, implying the England attacker might be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Support & Confidence

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

"I think Gyokeres' performing really, really impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides the team.

"He represents a big part of the reason we're winning these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He's still up, he continues to be happy and he's still providing his best each match."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting to recover with his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being emphasized.

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