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Arsenal have made an impressive beginning to the season, winning 8 from their first ten games, but it has not been as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals in his initial four matches, the £64m acquisition has not found the net for six consecutive games, with manager the Spanish tactician stating he offered the Sweden striker an embrace following Saturday's two-nil win over West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Minutes and Team Factors

Gyokeres has played 90 minutes across six from Arsenal's opening ten games - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury affecting the German midfielder restricting the capacity Arteta has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of the manager's most trusted squad members and exists an argument to be made suggesting the German would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important road matches versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker didn't have complete summer preparation prior to arriving, and skipped squad training at his former club when he attempted to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Expectations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that scored 97 times in one hundred two games with his previous club in his two campaigns with the Portuguese team.

His lack of scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player who was signed in to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to secure their initial title after 2020.

Manager's Perspective & Team Adaptation

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated recognition of Gyokeres' work rate in the initial games and showered praise upon the forward for his work which can go unnoticed whenever the chance has arisen to do so.

Following of Arsenal's win against Olympiacos, he called the forward's display "outstanding" while praised the player's "work-rate".

When the club acquired Gyokeres, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the various attacking players the team possess behind him including the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this season to get the ball between the lines faster and have adapted their tactics to be more direct.

This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who does not look to drop deeper and connect passes similar to the German, rather whose strength is felt to be running between both defenders and into the space in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, one can notice the central players are looking for the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is shown by the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed 7 shots on target from those opportunities across ten matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners struggled to break down opponents in a defensive setup last season when they fell away during the championship pursuit, and their new approach is designed to damage opponents while playing quickly.

Arsenal are likewise crossing more regularly more regularly to create additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' three goals this season originated from a spot-kick however this occurred when Saka had already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the top spot-kick specialist at the club during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that assumed the spot-kick in the win against West Ham while both were present on the field, suggesting the England attacker might be first choice to take them this term.

Teammate Support & Belief

Saka, that made his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing really, really well," Saka said after the match against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his team-mates, we are extremely grateful of what he does - the manner he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.

"He represents a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will arrive. We know that, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he continues to be content while he's consistently giving his best each match."

Future Outlook Regarding The Striker

It's reasonable to state it has not been the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, but this doesn't imply there aren't signs to show things will become better.

The striker began the season attempting to recover with his conditioning following an interrupted pre-season.

The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations earlier compared to perhaps planned - it has also meant the connections with creative players supporting him which haven't fully developed are being highlighted.

The striker is a eager runner while constantly seeks out {space|g