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Arsenal are experiencing an impressive start to the season, winning eight from their opening ten games, however it's been less as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 scores in his initial 4 games, this expensive signing has not found the net in 6 consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes & Team Factors

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of the manager's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be had suggesting the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during big away fixtures against Liverpool - the Gunners' only defeat this season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, games that they won.

There is also the reality Gyokeres didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad training with Sporting when he looked to secure a move toward north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, who notched ninety-seven times across 102 appearances with Sporting during his two seasons with the Portuguese team.

His lack of scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are winning currently, but he represents an athlete that was signed to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial trophy after two thousand twenty.

Coach's Viewpoint & Squad Integration

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for Gyokeres' work rate during the opening matches and heaped praise upon the forward for his work which can go unnoticed whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

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

When Arsenal acquired the Swedish international, existed a belief his inclusion would open up opportunities to benefit the various attacking talents Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their style this season to get possession between the lines faster while have adapted their tactics to become more direct.

This is in part to extract the maximum out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield and connect passes like Havertz, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be making runs through the two centre-backs toward the gaps in behind.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking to find passes that may release the striker for opportunities.

This is shown in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has only managed 7 shots on target with those opportunities in ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down sides in a low block previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their revised style aims to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals this season originated from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger had already been replaced in the 5-0 win over United.

The manager stated the Swedish striker represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but it was the English international who took the spot-kick during the victory against the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the English winger could be the primary option to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Gyokeres' performing extremely well," the Englishman stated post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he delivers - the manner he retains possession, how he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident and we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains up, he continues to be content and he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects for The Striker

It's reasonable to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, but this doesn't imply there aren't indicators to show situations will become improved.

The striker started the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into circumstances sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked are being highlighted.

Gyokeres is a eager movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g