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Arsenal have enjoyed a remarkable start this season, winning 8 of their opening ten games, however it has not been quite as straightforward for recent striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three goals in his initial 4 games, the expensive signing has not scored in six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician saying he gave the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Game Time & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has featured for full matches across six of Arsenal's first 10 matches - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz restricting the ability the manager has to rotate the Swedish international.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted players while exists a case to be had suggesting Havertz would have started instead of Gyokeres in big road fixtures against Liverpool - Arsenal's sole loss this campaign - the Magpies and the Red Devils, which they won.

Additionally, there's the reality Gyokeres didn't undergo complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad training with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer to north London.

Scoring History and Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a win-now addition, that notched 97 times in one hundred two games with his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

The striker's drought in scoring are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he represents a player who was signed to the club to get the team over the line as they try to win their first trophy after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown recognition for the striker's work rate in the initial matches while showered praise on the striker regarding his work which often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

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

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a belief his presence would open up the space to benefit the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Breakdown

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This is partially to get the maximum from Gyokeres, who does not look to drop deeper to connect passes like Havertz, but his primary attribute is felt as running through both centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

When watching Arsenal this season, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting for passes that could free Gyokeres for opportunities.

This is demonstrated by the 23 chances Gyokeres has had, however he has only mustered 7 attempts on goal with those chances in ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Support

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the title race, so their revised style aims to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

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

One of the striker's 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 victory against United.

The manager stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist in the squad in an interview with the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick in the win over the Hammers when both were present on the field, suggesting the English attacker could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Confidence

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal during the win this weekend, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to succeed.

"I think Viktor's playing really, really impressively," Saka said post-game with the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he retains possession, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there are doubts. He's still positive, he's still content while he's consistently providing maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will become better.

Gyokeres began the season attempting catch-up with his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been placed into situations earlier than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g