Sports
Gabriel Jesus’ Injury Return Could Be Bad News For Arsenal’s Gyokeres
English outfit Arsenal picked up yet another win in the Champions League, beating Club Brugge 3-0 away from home to continue their perfect form in the European competition thus far. The victory was made all the more impressive, with a number of key players missing through injury.
Notable absences included Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz – with Christian Norgaard even forced to start at centre-back (and doing well in his new role). On a more positive note, though, one injured player did return on the day in Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian has been sidelined since 12 January after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Manchester United last season. He came on in the second half against Bruge to make his first appearance in 332 days, and left Mikel Arteta with plenty to think about.
Gabriel Jesus Reminds Mikel Arteta of His Quality on Arsenal Injury Return
As the highlights show, Jesus looked surprisingly sharp on his first game back in 332 days. He returns to fitness now as quite possibly the fourth choice striker, behind Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino.
Of those three, however, there is perhaps an awkward conversation to have over Gyokeres. The Swede has shown glimpses of his goalscoring quality at Arsenal so far, but lacks in other aspects of his game. Jesus will never be as good a natural finisher, but can bring so much more to the front-line.
In 62 minutes, compared to Jesus’ 28, Gyokeres had the same amount of shots (three) – with only one on target, while the Brazilian had two on target and hit the post. Jesus also completed 14/15 passes, more than the Swedes 5/6, and had more touches (20 compared to 12).
Arteta will likely give Gyokeres a start against Wolves but if the striker does not impress, Jesus may well be the man turned to off the bench, with Havertz still unfit and Merino not a striker. If the Brazilan comes on and scores, or even plays well – just as he did against Brugge – Arteta may well have to have a very uncomfortable conversation with Gyokeres about the true pecking order of his attacking options for the second half of the season.
The Spaniard is clearly a big fan. After the Champions League win, he said of Jesus: “He showed his mental toughness, how much he loves to play football. We are all delighted to have him back. To see him perform in matter he did is really positive.”
It’s early days yet, but it does not feel unreasonable that the former Manchester City man could take plenty of minutes away from Gyokeres in the near future.
Arsenal Fans Impressed By Sharp Jesus vs Brugge
Arsenal fans were certainly happy with what they saw from Jesus. One wrote:
“Gabriel Jesus looks sharp & hungry, which is great to see. He could have an impact on this season, it’s all good Don’t use it as a stick for another players back, the big man just needs a bit of luck to go his way I think he will come good.”
Another added: “Gabriel Jesus didn’t look an inch like he’d been out for more than a year.” While a third noted how well he linked up with his teammate: “Martinelli switching with Gabriel Jesus is just so smooth.”
Another bluntly put: “Gabriel Jesus had a better game than Gyokeres.” On a simlar theme, one more wrote: “He needs to start by weekend tbh. Bro was smooth and clean on ball.”
Others were just as excited, writing: “His finishing still letting him down, but what a return. Pure footballer.” And: “Close to getting on the scoresheet very close. Very good performance from Jesus.”
Stats via SofaScore
