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Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start this campaign, securing victories in 8 of their opening ten games, however it's been less as easy for recent forward Viktor Gyokeres.

After three scores during his first four games, this £64m signing has not scored for 6 consecutive games, with manager Mikel Arteta saying he offered the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday's 2-0 victory against the Hammers for his hard work.

Playing Time & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has played full matches across six of Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability the manager has to rest the 27-year-old.

Havertz represents one of Arteta's key squad members while there is an argument to be made suggesting the German might have started in place of Gyokeres during important away fixtures against the Reds - the Gunners' only loss this season - Newcastle United and Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the fact Gyokeres didn't have complete summer preparation before joining, and missed team sessions at Sporting when he attempted to force through a move to north London.

Goal-Scoring History and Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a win-now addition, who notched 97 times in 102 appearances with his previous club in his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.

His lack of goals are not an issue since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is a player that was brought to the club to get the squad over the line as they try to win their initial trophy since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Integration

The Arsenal manager has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's work rate in the opening matches and heaped praise upon the forward regarding his work that can go unnoticed when the chance has arisen itself.

Following of Arsenal's victory against Olympiacos, he described the striker's display "outstanding" and commended the player's "effort level".

At the time the club acquired Gyokeres, there was a belief his inclusion would open up the space for the various attacking talents Arsenal have supporting him in Martin Odegaard, the English winger, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have changed their style this campaign to move the ball through midfield faster and have adjusted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to extract the best out of Gyokeres, that does not look to drift deeper to link play like the German, rather whose primary attribute is felt to be running between both centre-backs and into the space in behind.

When watching the Gunners currently, it can be seen the midfielders are looking for the ball that could free the striker for opportunities.

This is demonstrated in the twenty-three opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only mustered seven shots on target from those opportunities across 10 games, including one coming via the penalty spot.

Tactical Adjustments and Team Support

Arsenal struggled to penetrate opponents employing low block last season when they faded during the championship pursuit, so their new approach aims to hurt opponents while maintaining tempo.

The team are likewise crossing the ball with increased frequency to create more chances.

One of the striker's three scores this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when the English winger was already been substituted during the 5-0 win over United.

Arteta stated the Swedish striker is the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka that took the penalty during the win over West Ham while both were on the pitch, implying the England attacker could be the primary option to take them this season.

Teammate Encouragement and Confidence

Saka, who made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has backed Gyokeres to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's performing really, really impressively," Saka stated post-game against the Hammers.

"There's no doubt he's going to find the net. What he's providing to this team, us as his team-mates, we're so grateful of what he does - how he retains possession, the way he makes movements, the threat he gives the team.

"He represents a big part why we're winning these matches. His goals will come. We're aware, we're confident and we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He remains positive, he's still happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort each match."

Future Outlook Regarding Gyokeres

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however this doesn't imply there aren't indicators suggesting situations will become improved.

Gyokeres started the season attempting to recover regarding his conditioning after a disrupted pre-season.

Havertz's fitness issue has resulted in he has been thrust into situations earlier than perhaps anticipated - it has also meant the connections with midfielders behind him which haven't quite clicked have been emphasized.

Gyokeres is a eager runner and consistently seeks out {space|g