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The Gunners have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign, winning eight from their opening ten matches, however it hasn't proven quite as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following three scores in his initial 4 matches, this expensive signing hasn't found the net for 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish forward a hug after the weekend's 2-0 win over the Hammers for his efforts.

Playing Minutes & Squad Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first 10 games - more than the manager planned him to play, due to the fitness issue to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity Arteta possesses to rest the Swedish international.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key players and there is a case to be had suggesting the German would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole loss of the season - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't undergo complete summer preparation before arriving, and missed squad sessions at his former club as he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Scoring Record & Expectations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact addition, who notched ninety-seven times in one hundred two appearances for his previous club during his two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

His drought in goals are not an issue as the team are winning currently, but he is a player that was signed to the club to help the team across the finish line while they try to win their first trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of Gyokeres' effort in the initial games while heaped praise on the forward regarding his contributions which often goes under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen to do so.

Following the Gunners' win over the Greek side, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the multiple attacking talents the team have behind him including the Norwegian captain, the English winger, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have changed their approach this campaign to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to extract the maximum out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, rather whose strength is felt as running between both defenders and into the space behind them.

Observing Arsenal currently, one can notice the central players are attempting to find passes that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the twenty-three chances the forward has received, but he has only managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities in ten matches, including one coming via a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes and Squad Backing

Arsenal had difficulty to penetrate sides employing low block last season as they faded during the championship pursuit, so their new approach is designed to hurt opponents by playing quickly.

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

Among the striker's three goals this season came from the penalty spot but that was when Saka was already been replaced in the five-nil win against United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet the duty fell to the English international that took the spot-kick in the victory against the Hammers when both were on the pitch, implying the English attacker could be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Encouragement & Belief

The Arsenal winger, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing extremely impressively," the Englishman stated after the match with the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to score goals. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will arrive. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in his abilities. I don't believe there are concerns. He remains positive, he's still content and he's still giving maximum effort each match."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it has not been the easiest beginning for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting things will become improved.

The striker started the campaign playing catch-up regarding his conditioning after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has resulted in he has been placed into circumstances earlier than perhaps planned - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

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