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The Gunners have made a remarkable beginning this season, winning eight from their first 10 games, however it's been less as straightforward for new striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Following 3 scores during his first four games, this £64m acquisition hasn't found the net in six matches, with head coach the Spanish tactician revealing he gave the Swedish striker a hug after Saturday's two-nil win against West Ham in recognition of his contributions.

Playing Time & Team Dynamics

Gyokeres has featured for full matches across six from Arsenal's opening 10 matches - beyond Arteta planned for, due to the knee injury to the German midfielder limiting the ability Arteta has to rotate the Swedish international.

The German player is one of Arteta's most reliable players and there is an argument to be made that the German might have been selected in place of the Swedish striker during big away matches versus the Reds - the Gunners' sole defeat this season - the Magpies plus Manchester United, games that they emerged victorious from.

Additionally, there's the reality the striker did not have complete summer preparation prior to joining, and missed team sessions at Sporting as he looked to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Goal-Scoring Record & Anticipations

However Gyokeres is a immediate impact signing, who scored 97 times across 102 games with Sporting in his two seasons at the Lisbon-based team.

His drought in goals aren't a problem as the team are securing victories at the moment, yet he is an athlete that was brought to the club to help the squad across the finish line as they attempt to win their first title since 2020.

Coach's Perspective and Team Adaptation

Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation of the striker's work rate in the opening games and showered compliments on the forward for his contributions that can go under the radar when the chance has arisen to do so.

In the aftermath the Gunners' win against Olympiacos, he called the striker's display "outstanding" and commended his "work-rate".

When Arsenal acquired Gyokeres, there was a feeling his inclusion would create the space to benefit the various attacking players Arsenal have behind him in the Norwegian captain, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.

Numerical Breakdown

Arsenal have changed their approach this campaign to get the ball between the lines more quickly while have adapted their tactics to become more vertical.

This represents partially to extract the best from Gyokeres, that doesn't attempt to drift deeper and link play similar to the German, rather his primary attribute is considered to be running between the two centre-backs toward the gaps behind them.

Observing Arsenal currently, it can be seen the midfielders are attempting to find the ball that could free Gyokeres for a chance.

This is shown by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has had, however he has only managed 7 attempts on goal with those opportunities in 10 matches, with one being from the penalty spot.

Strategic Changes and Team Support

The Gunners struggled to penetrate sides in a defensive setup previous campaign when they fell away in the championship pursuit, and their revised style is designed to damage the opposition by playing quickly.

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

Among the striker's three goals this season originated from the penalty spot but this occurred when Saka was already been substituted in the five-nil win against Leeds.

Arteta said the Swedish striker represents the best penalty taker at the club during a discussion for ESPN Brazil, but the duty fell to Saka that assumed the penalty during the win over the Hammers when both were present on the pitch, suggesting the England attacker might be the primary option for penalties this season.

Teammate Support & Confidence

The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.

"I think Viktor's performing extremely impressively," Saka stated after the match with the Hammers.

"Without question he will score goals. The contributions he's bringing to this team, us as his colleagues, we're so appreciative for what he does - the manner he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he provides the team.

"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these matches. His goals will come. We know that, we're confident and we have faith in him. I don't believe there's any concerns. He's still up, he's still happy while he's consistently giving maximum effort every game."

Future Prospects for Gyokeres

It is fair to say it hasn't proven the easiest beginning for the Swedish international, but that does not mean there are not indicators suggesting situations will become better.

Gyokeres began the campaign playing to recover regarding his conditioning following an interrupted summer preparation.

The German's injury has meant him being thrust into situations sooner than possibly planned - this has also caused the relationships with midfielders supporting him that have not fully developed have been emphasized.

The striker represents a willing runner and consistently seeks out {space|g