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The Gunners have made a remarkable beginning to the campaign, securing victories in 8 from their opening ten matches, but it's been less as straightforward for new forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three goals during his first four games, the expensive acquisition has not scored for 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win over the Hammers in recognition of his efforts.

Game Minutes and Team Factors

The Swedish striker has played full matches in six from Arsenal's first 10 matches - beyond the manager initially intended him to play, with the fitness issue to Kai Havertz restricting the capacity Arteta has to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of Arteta's most trusted players while exists a case to be made suggesting Havertz would have been selected instead of Gyokeres during important road matches against the Reds - the Gunners' only loss of the campaign - Newcastle United plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact the striker did not have complete summer preparation prior to joining, and missed squad training with Sporting as he attempted to force through a transfer toward Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that notched 97 times in one hundred two appearances with his previous club during his two campaigns at the Lisbon-based club.

His drought in scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are securing victories at the moment, but he is a player that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line while they attempt to win their initial title since 2020.

Coach's Viewpoint and Squad Integration

Arteta has shown recognition for Gyokeres' work rate in the opening matches and showered praise on the striker for his work that can go under the radar whenever the opportunity has arisen itself.

In the aftermath the Gunners' victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "exceptional" while praised his "work-rate".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, there was a belief his presence would create opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents Arsenal possess supporting him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder and Gabriel Martinelli.

Statistical Analysis

The North London club have altered their style this season to move possession between the lines more quickly while have adapted their strategy to become more vertical.

This is partially to extract the maximum from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drop into midfield and link play similar to the German, rather his strength is considered to be running through the two centre-backs and into the gaps behind them.

When watching Arsenal this season, one can notice the midfielders are looking to find passes that could release the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those opportunities in 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Squad Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the title race, so their revised approach is designed to damage opponents by maintaining tempo.

The team are also delivering crosses more regularly more regularly to generate more chances.

Among the striker's three goals this season originated from a spot-kick but that was at a time Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil victory against United.

Arteta said Gyokeres represents the best spot-kick specialist in the squad during a discussion with ESPN Brazil, yet it was the English international who assumed the spot-kick during the win against West Ham when both were present on the pitch, implying the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Encouragement & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his 200th English top flight appearance with the Gunners in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in Gyokeres to thrive.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really well," the Englishman stated post-game against West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to this team, we as his colleagues, we're so grateful for what he delivers - how he holds the ball, the way he makes the runs, the threat he gives the team.

"He's a big part why we're securing victories in these matches. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that while we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still content while he's consistently giving his best each match."

Future Prospects Regarding Gyokeres

It's reasonable to say it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't signs suggesting things will get improved.

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

Havertz's fitness issue has meant he has been thrust into situations earlier compared to perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with creative players supporting him that have not quite clicked have been emphasized.

The striker represents a eager runner while consistently seeks out {space|g