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Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season, securing victories in eight from their opening ten games, however it has not been quite as straightforward for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals in his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition hasn't found the net in six consecutive games, as head coach Mikel Arteta saying he gave the Sweden forward a hug after Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.

Game Minutes & Squad Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's first ten games - more than Arteta planned him to play, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager possesses to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's key players and there is a case to be made that the German would have started in place of the Swedish striker in important away fixtures versus Liverpool - the Gunners' sole defeat this campaign - Newcastle United and the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have a full pre-season before joining, and skipped squad training with Sporting as he looked to secure a move to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record and Anticipations

But the Swedish international is a win-now signing, who notched 97 goals in one hundred two appearances for his previous club in two campaigns at the Portuguese club.

The striker's lack of goals are not an issue as Arsenal are winning at the moment, yet he is a player who was signed in to get the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their first trophy after 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort during the opening matches and heaped compliments on the forward regarding his work which often goes under the radar when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory over the Greek side, he called the forward's performance "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time Arsenal signed the Swedish international, there was an expectation his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various attacking players Arsenal have behind him including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to be more vertical.

This represents in part to get the best out of the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to Havertz, but his primary attribute is considered to be making runs between both defenders and into the space behind them.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are attempting to find the ball that may free the striker for a chance.

This is demonstrated by the twenty-three opportunities the forward has had, but he has only mustered 7 shots on target from those opportunities across ten games, including one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Support

Arsenal struggled to break down sides employing defensive setup previous campaign when they faded in the championship pursuit, and their new style is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate more chances.

One of the striker's 3 goals so far came from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been replaced in the five-nil win against United.

Arteta said the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka who assumed the spot-kick during the win against the Hammers when both were on the pitch, implying the English attacker might be first choice for penalties this season.

Squad Member Encouragement & Confidence

Saka, that completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the victory on Saturday, has backed Gyokeres to thrive.

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

"Without question he will find the net. The contributions he's bringing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a significant component of the reason we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He remains positive, he continues to be happy and he's consistently providing maximum effort each match."

Upcoming Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the most straightforward of starts for Gyokeres, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will get better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing catch-up regarding his fitness after a disrupted summer preparation.

Havertz's injury has resulted in he has been thrust into situations sooner than possibly anticipated - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed have been highlighted.

The striker represents a eager movement maker while constantly looks for {space|g