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Arsenal are experiencing an impressive beginning to the campaign, winning eight of their opening ten matches, but it hasn't proven as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his initial four matches, this £64m acquisition hasn't found the net in 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Sweden striker a hug following Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his contributions.

Game Time & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches in six of Arsenal's first ten games - more than the manager initially intended for, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

The German player is one of Arteta's most trusted players and exists an argument to be made suggesting Havertz would have been selected in place of the Swedish striker in important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only defeat this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have a full summer preparation before arriving, while missed team sessions with Sporting as he attempted to secure a move to Arsenal.

Scoring History and Expectations

But Gyokeres is a win-now addition, that scored ninety-seven goals across 102 appearances for Sporting during his two seasons at the Portuguese team.

His drought in goals aren't an issue as the team are securing victories at the moment, but he represents an athlete who was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they attempt to secure their initial trophy since two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's effort in the initial matches while heaped praise upon the forward for his work which often goes unnoticed when the chance has arisen to do so.

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

When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus the Brazilian forward.

Statistical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this campaign to get the ball through midfield more quickly and have adjusted their strategy to become more direct.

This is partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drop deeper to link play like Havertz, but his strength is considered as making runs between both centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities the forward has received, but he has only managed 7 shots on target with those chances in 10 matches, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to break down opponents in a low block last season when they faded during the title race, and their revised style aims to damage opponents while maintaining tempo.

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

Among the striker's three scores so far came from the penalty spot but that was when Saka had already been replaced in the five-nil victory against Leeds.

The manager said Gyokeres is the top spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to the English international who took the spot-kick during the win against West Ham while both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England winger could be first choice to take them this season.

Squad Member Support and Belief

Saka, that completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

"Without question he's going to find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful for what he does - how he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the danger he gives us.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we believe in his abilities. I don't believe there's any doubts. He remains up, he's still content and he's still giving his best every game."

Future Outlook for The Striker

It is fair to state it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting things will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign attempting catch-up with his fitness after an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being thrust into circumstances sooner compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres is a willing movement maker and consistently seeks out {space|g