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Arsenal are experiencing a remarkable beginning this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their first ten matches, however it's been less quite as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his initial four games, the expensive acquisition has not found the net in six consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his contributions.

Game Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening 10 games - beyond the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue affecting Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable squad members while there is a case to be made that Havertz might have started instead of Gyokeres during important road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's sole defeat of the season - the Magpies and Manchester United, which they won.

There is also the fact Gyokeres didn't have a full pre-season before joining, while missed team training at his former club when he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Scoring History & Expectations

However the Swedish international is a immediate impact addition, that scored 97 times in one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two campaigns at the Portuguese team.

His lack of goals aren't an issue as Arsenal are winning currently, yet he is a player who was signed to the club to help the team over the line as they try to win their first trophy since 2020.

Manager's Perspective and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated recognition for the striker's effort in the opening matches and showered praise upon the forward for his contributions that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has presented to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he described the forward's performance "outstanding" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple offensive talents the team possess behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession through midfield more quickly while have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents in part to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drop deeper and connect passes similar to the German, rather whose strength is considered as making runs through both centre-backs and into the space behind them.

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

This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities the forward has received, but he has merely managed seven shots on target from those opportunities in ten games, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away during the championship pursuit, so their revised style is designed to hurt the opposition while maintaining tempo.

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

One of the striker's three scores so far came from a spot-kick but that was at a time the English winger was already been replaced during the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Arteta stated Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with the sports network, but it was the English international that took the penalty in the win over the Hammers while both were on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka said post-game against the Hammers.

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, we as his colleagues, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there's any concerns. He remains up, he's still content and he's still giving his best every game."

Upcoming Outlook for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the season playing catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being thrust into situations sooner compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players behind him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.

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