Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start this campaign, winning 8 from their opening 10 matches, but it has not been as straightforward for new forward the Swedish attacker.
Following three scores during his initial 4 games, the expensive signing hasn't scored for 6 matches, with head coach Mikel Arteta revealing he offered the Swedish forward an embrace after Saturday's two-nil victory against the Hammers in recognition of his hard work.
Gyokeres has played 90 minutes in six from Arsenal's first ten matches - beyond Arteta planned for, with the knee injury to Kai Havertz limiting the ability Arteta possesses to rotate the 27-year-old.
Havertz is one of the manager's most reliable squad members and exists an argument to be made that Havertz would have started in place of the Swedish striker in important road matches versus the Reds - Arsenal's sole defeat this season - Newcastle United plus the Red Devils, which they emerged victorious from.
There is also the fact the striker didn't have a full summer preparation prior to arriving, while skipped team training with his former club when he looked to force through a transfer to north London.
But Gyokeres represents a immediate impact signing, that scored ninety-seven goals in one hundred two games for his previous club during his two seasons with the Lisbon-based club.
His lack of scoring aren't a problem as Arsenal are winning currently, yet he represents a player that was brought in to help the team across the finish line as they attempt to win their first title after 2020.
Arteta has demonstrated an appreciation for Gyokeres' effort in the opening games while heaped praise upon the striker regarding his work that often goes under the radar whenever the chance has arisen itself.
Following the Gunners' win over Olympiacos, he called the striker's performance "outstanding" and commended his "effort level".
When Arsenal signed Gyokeres, there was a feeling his presence would open up opportunities to benefit the various offensive talents the team possess supporting him in Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, the creative midfielder plus Gabriel Martinelli.
The North London club have changed their style this campaign to get possession through midfield faster and have adjusted their strategy to become more vertical.
This represents in part to get the best from the Swedish striker, who doesn't attempt to drift into midfield to link play similar to Havertz, rather whose strength is considered as making runs between both defenders and into the space in behind.
Observing the Gunners currently, it can be seen the central players are looking for passes that may free the striker for a chance.
This is demonstrated by the 23 opportunities Gyokeres has received, however he has merely mustered 7 shots on target from those chances across 10 games, with one being from the penalty spot.
Arsenal had difficulty to break down opponents in a defensive setup previous campaign as they faded in the title race, so their new style aims to hurt the opposition while playing quickly.
The team are also crossing more regularly with increased frequency to create additional opportunities.
One of the striker's 3 scores so far came from the penalty spot however this occurred when Saka had already been replaced during the 5-0 victory against Leeds.
Arteta stated Gyokeres represents the top penalty taker in the squad during a discussion for the sports network, yet the duty fell to Saka that took the penalty in the win over West Ham when both were on the field, implying the English attacker might be the primary option for penalties this term.
The Arsenal winger, who completed his two hundredth English top flight appearance for Arsenal during the win on Saturday, has expressed confidence in the Swedish striker to thrive.
"I think Gyokeres' playing extremely well," the Englishman said after the match with West Ham.
"There's no doubt he will score goals. What he's providing to this team, us as his colleagues, we are extremely appreciative of what he delivers - how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the danger he provides us.
"He's a significant component why we're securing victories in these games. His scoring will come. We know that, we believe that and we have faith in his abilities. I don't think there are doubts. He's still up, he continues to be content and he's still providing maximum effort each match."
It's reasonable to state it hasn't proven the easiest of starts for the Swedish international, however this doesn't imply there are not signs to show situations will become better.
Gyokeres started the campaign attempting catch-up with his conditioning following a disrupted summer preparation.
The German's fitness issue has resulted in him being placed into situations sooner than perhaps planned - this has also caused the connections with midfielders supporting him which haven't quite clicked have been highlighted.
The striker represents a willing movement maker while constantly seeks out {space|g
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