Gabriel Jesus returned to the field against Club Brugge after nearly a year due to a serious knee injury. Arsenal had spent around £70 million on Viktor Gyökeres to cover his absence, and many had stopped inquiring about him.
However, it only took thirty minutes for fans to remember his importance. It was not just about goals or star status, but the essential tactical role he plays in Mikel Arteta’s approach.
Jesus’ Contribution Beyond Goals
To clarify, Jesus is not a prolific goal-scorer. In his ten Premier League seasons, he has scored a total of 77 goals, with his best season tallying just fourteen. At Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, his contributions were measured by his overall influence rather than just scoring.
His role included supporting teammates and ensuring the team maintained structure and discipline on the field, making his absence significantly felt when he was sidelined.
Arsenal’s Style of Play
This Arsenal team does not overwhelm opponents with flashy play. They rank third in big opportunities created, fourth in accurate passes, and fifth in shots on target. Yet, they sit at the top of the league with a six-point lead.
The key to their success lies in their ability to frustrate opponents. They press aggressively and limit space, making it difficult for the other team to play comfortably.
Jesus’ return, even though he was already part of the team, is crucial in this context.
The Challenge with Gyökeres
Gyökeres has started in sixteen out of twenty-one league matches this season but has made minimal impact defensively, ranking among the bottom in possession recovery across Europe’s top leagues.
What he brings is physical strength and speed. While he can be a threat in open space, his lack of contribution in build-up and defense makes it difficult to justify his position without more goals. Five goals in nineteen appearances isn’t enough.
Jesus’ Role
In contrast to Gyökeres, Jesus focuses on creating opportunities. While he may not score frequently, he actively participates in passing and buildup, ensuring the team maintains pressure. His ability to read the game helps the team control play.
Having a player like Jesus in the attack provides Arteta with the level of precision needed for his tactics. While he may not make the team explosive, he helps maintain their grip on matches.
Importance of Structure
Arteta prefers his team to maintain possession carefully, which forms the basis of their strategy. Though some aspects may appear unexciting, each player has a defined role. Jesus is key to orchestrating this system, refining pressing strategies, and keeping the overall structure intact.
Why His Return Matters
Arteta is unlikely to abandon Gyökeres, given the investment in him, and he can be effective against teams Arsenal is expected to dominate. However, the return of Jesus is about more than rotation.
The recent match against Liverpool demonstrated this. As the game shifted in Liverpool’s favor, Arteta introduced Jesus. While the team did not dominate, the defensive organization improved, enabling them to maintain their composure.
Liverpool only managed a few attempts on goal late in the game. The scoreline of 0-0 highlighted the team’s discipline and control, rather than a lack of offense. Jesus played a crucial role in guiding the team and maintaining spatial awareness.
Two Strikers, Different Roles
Gyökeres has his merits. His power can create chaos and unexpected moments in matches. This makes him a valuable option within Arteta’s typically organized strategy.
With Jesus back, Arteta can utilize Gyökeres as a tactical alternative while relying on Jesus to manage games, secure results, and apply pressure on opponents.
While Jesus may not rack up goals, his discipline and intelligence will help elevate Arsenal’s game, often more valuable than mere goal-scoring.
Andrea Vilchez/SPP
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