Although he can’t quite turn water into wine, Gabriel Jesus’ return to the Arsenal side is a blessing.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon this evening, the Gunners have been handed an injury boost. Jesus is back in training. He may even make a brief appearance in Lisbon although when asked, Arteta said: “We have brought a few players and you will see tomorrow who is available”. Thus no assurances we’ll see Jesus back today but his return is certainly impending.
Since Jesus got injured in the World Cup with Brazil, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard have had to deputise, and they have done so effectively. Trossard has shown bright flashes and Nketiah scored six in Jesus’ absence, including two goals against Manchester United. Most pertinently, Arsenal remains top of the league.
However, neither of Jesus’ deputies offer the same energy, pressing quality and link-up as the Brazillian striker. In that regard, Jesus has a legitimate claim to be the best in the league. What he lacks in ruthlessness in front of goal, he makes up for in his defensive actions. Before the World Cup, no striker had made more tackles or more inceptions than Jesus. His pressing is impeccable and is key to the way Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to defend. Arsenal’s win at Stamford Bridge in November is a classic example. Jesus oversaw Arsenal’s stifling press and prevented Chelsea from progressing the ball forward. Chelsea couldn’t get high up the pitch and their expected goal figure for that game was just 0.3. This is typical of Jesus’ influence.
With Jesus in the team, Arsenal average 2.64 points per game (PPG), whilst scoring 2.35 goals per game. Without Jesus, Arsenal’s PPG and their goals per game have both fallen to 2.16. His impact is indispensable.
His return has come at the perfect time. Under Arteta, Arsenal look transformed and this is the first time that Arsenal have seriously challenged for the Premier League since 2016. Arsenal’s April includes trips to Anfield and the Etihad, as well as a visit from neighbours Chelsea. If Arsenal is to do what no Arsenal side has done in 20 years and win the title, having Jesus in the side is vital in the final stretch of the season.
