Why Arsenal Thrives with Striker Gabriel Jesus on the Team

The situation with Arsenal‘s strikers is attracting attention. Viktor Gyokeres has had difficulty making an impact, while Gabriel Jesus, though often injured, has shown that Arsenal tends to perform better with him leading the attack. This issue is not just about goals; it involves team connection, rhythm, and how Arsenal builds their plays.

Jesus brings more to Arsenal than just statistics. His ability to link plays influences how the team moves, develops attacks, and maintains pressure. Arsenal sometimes lacks this connector role, especially against strong defensive teams.

Gyokeres’ difficulties aren’t solely individual. They are largely due to team dynamics. Arsenal usually dominates possession, which forces the striker to work in tight spaces instead of exploiting open areas. Gyokeres excels when he can run into space, but Arsenal doesn’t always play that way against deep defenses.

In games where Arsenal has the ball for long periods, Gyokeres can feel isolated. The play often moves around him rather than through him. Limited touches mean his impact diminishes, leading to frustration and the view that he isn’t contributing enough during buildup moments.

This context is essential. Arsenal’s current challenges in the final third stem more from issues with attacking fluidity than from finishing abilities alone.

How Gabriel Jesus Plays a Connector Role for Arsenal

Jesus changes Arsenal’s attacking approach by constantly seeking to involve teammates. He often moves into midfield areas and wide spaces, creating angles for passes that a stationary striker cannot provide.

His role as a connector allows Arsenal to advance the ball more effectively. Rather than forcing passes around defenses, Arsenal frequently plays through Jesus. He links the midfield and attack and helps maintain pressure by keeping plays active.

This dynamic is why Arsenal appears more lively and unpredictable with Jesus on the pitch. The ball moves quicker, spacing improves, and attacks feel less predictable.

The Impact of Jesus on Arsenal’s Attacking Flow

With Jesus in the lineup, Arsenal’s attacking fluidity tends to improve noticeably. Wingers benefit from his movement as defenders are pulled out of position, creating more opportunities for players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Midfielders also gain a reliable option, allowing them to link up and turn possession into attacking plays.

Jesus doesn’t have to score to impact games. His positioning and choices allow him to serve as a bridge between different areas on the field. For instance, he can drop back to receive the ball from Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard and immediately pass to wide players or forwards making runs behind the defense. This skill to connect quickly and read the game’s flow enables Arsenal to keep their tempo, even against tightly organized defenses.

This ability is especially crucial in close matches where breaking down a solid defense requires smart movement rather than just force. Instead of sending the ball directly into the penalty area, Jesus helps Arsenal control possession, create overloads on one side, and draw defenders out of their positions. He acts as a pivot for attacks, ensuring team movements are coordinated and difficult to predict.

In contrast, when Arsenal relies only on a presence in the box, buildup can become slower and more obvious. Defenses can clog the area, limiting Arsenal’s chances to long balls, crosses, or isolated shots. Jesus prevents this stagnation by continuously linking passes, drawing defenders away, and generating new attacking angles. His contributions may not always show in the scoreline, but they are vital for how Arsenal maintains possession and creates quality chances.