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Arsenal are experiencing a strong start to the season, securing victories in eight of their first 10 matches, however it's been less as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

After 3 goals in his initial 4 matches, the £64m signing hasn't found the net in 6 matches, as head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he gave the Swedish forward a hug after Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers for his hard work.

Game Minutes & Team Dynamics

The Swedish striker has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's opening ten games - more than Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the capacity the manager possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.

Havertz is one of the manager's key squad members while exists a case to be had suggesting the German might have started in place of Gyokeres during important road fixtures versus Liverpool - Arsenal's only defeat of the campaign - Newcastle United and Manchester United, which they emerged victorious from.

There is also the reality the striker didn't have complete pre-season prior to joining, and skipped squad sessions at Sporting when he attempted to secure a move to north London.

Scoring History & Anticipations

But Gyokeres is a win-now signing, who scored 97 times across one hundred two games for Sporting during his two campaigns with the Lisbon-based team.

The striker's drought in scoring aren't a problem since Arsenal are securing victories currently, yet he is a player that was brought in to get the squad over the line as they try to win their initial trophy after 2020.

Manager's Viewpoint and Team Adaptation

Arteta has shown an appreciation for Gyokeres' work rate in the initial matches while heaped compliments on the forward for his work that often goes unnoticed when the chance has presented itself.

In the aftermath of Arsenal's victory over the Greek side, he described the striker's display "exceptional" and commended the player's "effort level".

When the club acquired the Swedish international, existed a feeling his inclusion would open up the space to benefit the various attacking players Arsenal possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Analysis

Arsenal have altered their approach this season to get possession through midfield more quickly and have adapted their strategy to be more direct.

This represents partially to get the best out of the Swedish striker, that does not look to drift into midfield and connect passes like Havertz, rather whose strength is considered as making runs between the two centre-backs and into the gaps in behind.

Observing the Gunners this season, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that could release the striker for a chance.

This is shown in the twenty-three chances Gyokeres has had, but he has only managed seven shots on target from those chances across ten games, with one being from a spot-kick.

Tactical Changes & Team Backing

The Gunners had difficulty to penetrate opponents in a low block last season when they fell away in the championship pursuit, so their revised approach aims to damage opponents by playing quickly.

The team are also delivering crosses the ball with increased frequency to generate additional opportunities.

Among Gyokeres' 3 goals so far came from a spot-kick but this occurred at a time Saka had already been substituted in the 5-0 victory over United.

Arteta said Gyokeres is the best spot-kick specialist at the club in an interview with ESPN Brazil, yet it was Saka who took the penalty in the win over the Hammers when both were on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker could be first choice to take them this term.

Squad Member Support and Belief

The Arsenal winger, that made his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal in the victory this weekend, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to succeed.

"In my opinion Viktor's playing extremely impressively," Saka said post-game with West Ham.

"Without question he's going to score goals. The contributions he's providing to the squad, us as his team-mates, we're so appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides us.

"He represents a significant component of the reason we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We're aware, we're confident while we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still happy while he's still providing maximum effort every game."

Upcoming Prospects for The Striker

It is fair to say it has not been the most straightforward beginning for Gyokeres, however that does not mean there aren't signs suggesting things will get improved.

Gyokeres began the season attempting to recover with his fitness following an interrupted pre-season.

Havertz's injury has meant he has been placed into situations sooner compared to possibly anticipated - it has also meant the relationships with midfielders behind him that have not fully developed are being emphasized.

The striker is a eager runner while constantly looks for {space|g