Martin Keown wonders if Gabriel Jesus will struggle to force his way back into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal XI following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League thrashing of Fulham at Craven Cottage, speaking to talkSPORT (13 March, 11.20am).
On a day full of positives, Jesus’ long-awaited return was the glacier cherry sitting upon a thick layer of sweet-tasting icing on top of a picture-perfect sponge calk.
The Brazil international had not been seen since the Qatar World Cup. But, with Arsenal cruising away from home at a very impressive Fulham outfit, Jesus was afforded a 13-minute cameo in West London.
The summer signing from Manchester City was arguably Arsenal’s most impressive and most important fixture during the first half of the campaign. It is testament to the form of his fellow attackers, however, that Jesus may no longer be a guaranteed starter even when he is back to full fitness.
Gabriel Jesus makes Arsenal return in 3-0 Fulham thrashing
“Gabriel Jesus off the bench looked very impressive,” says Keown, part of that ‘Invincible’ Arsenal side which last tasted Premier League glory in 2004.
“I don’t know if he’s going to get back in the team such is the standard of those players right now.”
Gabriel Martinelli scored again at Fulham, while Bukayo Saka is also producing the best football of his career. January signing Leandro Trossard, meanwhile, grabbed a hat-trick of assists on Sunday. And that’s without mentioning Eddie Nketiah; scorer of nine goals in 18 starts across all competitions this term.
Arteta opted for Trossard in a ‘false nine’ role vs Fulham. The former Man City assistant can now look forward to fielding a more classic centre-forward again soon.
“Gabi has to earn his place like in any other team,” Arteta explains (The Guardian). “We have alternatives. In relation to the chemistry of players and what we ask them to do. It’s a great problem to have, believe me.
“(Jesus’ return) is a big boost. The first step. Gabi said to me a few days ago; ‘I’m still missing something.’ Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said; ‘I’m ready’. He looks free, he looks ready. To see him there with a smile on his face was a joy. I was really happy for him.”
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