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Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive beginning to the season, winning 8 from their first 10 games, but it has not been quite as easy for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores in his first 4 games, this £64m signing has not scored for six matches, with manager Mikel Arteta stating he offered the Sweden forward a hug following the weekend's 2-0 win over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Playing Time and Squad Factors

Gyokeres has featured for 90 minutes in six of Arsenal's opening ten matches - more than the manager initially intended for, due to the fitness issue affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity the manager has to rest the Swedish international.

The German player represents one of Arteta's key players and there is a case to be had that the German might have started in place of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat of the season - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, which they won.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres did not have a full pre-season prior to arriving, while missed squad training at Sporting as he looked to secure a move to north London.

Scoring Record & Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a win-now signing, that scored ninety-seven times in 102 games for his previous club in his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in goals are not an issue since the team are winning at the moment, but he is an athlete that was brought in to help the team across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title after two thousand twenty.

Manager's Perspective & Squad Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation for the striker's work rate in the initial matches and showered compliments on the forward regarding his work that often goes under the radar when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he called the striker's display "exceptional" while commended his "work-rate".

At the time Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was an expectation his inclusion would open up opportunities for the multiple offensive players Arsenal have supporting him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

The North London club have altered their approach this campaign to move possession through midfield faster and have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This is partially to get the best out of Gyokeres, who does not look to drop into midfield and connect passes like Havertz, but whose primary attribute is considered to be making runs between both defenders toward the gaps behind them.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for the ball that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 chances the forward has received, however he has only mustered 7 shots on target with those opportunities across ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Adjustments & Squad Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down sides in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the title race, and their new approach is designed to hurt the opposition by maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from a spot-kick however that was at a time the English winger was already been substituted in the five-nil win over United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, but it was Saka who assumed the penalty in the win against the Hammers when both were present on the field, implying the England winger could be the primary option to take them this term.

Teammate Encouragement & Belief

Saka, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match against the Hammers.

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

"He's a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that while we believe in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He remains up, he's still happy while he's consistently providing his best every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to state it has not been the most straightforward of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there are not indicators to show things will become improved.

The striker started the season playing to recover regarding his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.

The German's fitness issue has meant him being placed into circumstances sooner than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been emphasized.

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