Arsenal’s forgotten ‘game changer’ can be as explosive as any new signing

The team with the ‘best team’ in the Premier League, according to Jamie Carragher, Arsenal’s time to end more than 20 years of suffering could finally be here.

Reigning champions Liverpool – in the midst of a three-game losing streak on all fronts – are yet to find their feet this season, while even Erling Haaland can’t help Manchester City recapture their former magic.

The now-or-never sentiment for Mikel Arteta may be a touch of hyperbole, even though the Spaniard appears to have all the tools at his disposal to be able to lead the Gunners to title glory.

With two, and in some cases three, real options at every position, after a summer of effective recruitment, the north Londoners are now a force to be reckoned with again.

Boasting the meanest defense in the division – with just three goals conceded – Arteta’s men also rank only behind Man City in goals scored (14 to 15).

This side is certainly not perfect, however, with there those waiting in the wings who could perhaps take them to even greater heights.

Latest news on Arsenal’s injury situation

The sight of captain Martin Odegaard against West Ham United last time out has sadly become familiar, with the Norwegian playmaker having been substituted within 30 minutes on three occasions this season.

This knee problem could see the former Real Madrid player sidelined for a significant period, adding even more frustration for Arteta after losing new signing Noni Madueke to his own spell on the sidelines last month.

Madueke’s brilliant start to the campaign was cut short by his own knee-related setback in late September, with the England international out for six to eight weeks.

That saw the light-footed winger join another former Chelsea player, Kai Havertz, on the treatment table, with the German yet to be seen this season after undergoing knee surgery before the start of the new campaign.

Also absent for much of 2024/25, although he has scored 15 times in all competitions, Havertz is expected to make a return at some point in November, with Arteta currently limited when it comes to alternatives to Viktor Gyokere in the middle.

It will be an interesting debate as to who the Arsenal boss will favor to lead the line during Havertz’s return to action, with Carragher predicting it will be the latter man – instead of Gyokeres – who will get the nod for “the biggest games”.

His compatriot Gabriel Jesus hardly factors into the equation when it comes to competition for the number nine position, but could the Brazilian prove to be the perfect solution on the left flank?

Why Arsenal’s forgotten man could soon explode

Return to August 2022, as a new Arsenal team secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Wearing that eye-catching pink jersey, William Saliba’s long-awaited debut undoubtedly grabbed the headlines, although Jesus’ first outing with the Gunners more than grabbed the attention.

In truth, the former Manchester City man was nothing short of “electric” that day, as Gary Neville noted at the time, putting in a “magical” debut performance following his £45 million move from the Etihad.

Unfortunately, such displays were few and far between, with Jesus repeatedly injured in the years that followed, scoring just 26 goals in 96 games in total – while contributing a further 20 assists.

Injuries have undoubtedly played their part, although Arteta is perhaps yet to get the best out of him, with much of the striker’s best work under Pep Guardiola having come from the flanks.

Indeed, the man previously hailed as a ‘game changer’ by Alan Shearer has recorded 14 goals and assists in just 20 games as a right winger in Manchester, as well as ten goals in 19 games on the left, according to Transfermarkt.

It is in the latter role that the 28-year-old may well find his place this season, with neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli having properly cemented that starting spot yet, while Eberechi Eze is likely to take on Odegaard’s role more centrally.

Now back on grass as he steps up his recovery from his ACL knock, Jesus’ return may not come in the immediate future, although he could well prove to be something of a new signing for Arteta as the season progresses.

A man with 149 goals and 73 assists in 415 career games at senior level, the 64-cap Brazil international is too good a talent to pass up just yet, although reports suggest he could be moved on in January.

A leaner and relentless presser at his best, Jesus still ranks in the top 6% of European forwards for successful tackles per 90, as well as the top 3% for tackles made per 90, like FBref, highlighting what an asset he can be both in and out of possession.

While many at Arsenal may be fascinated by the new faces such as Eze, Gyokeres and Madueke, it would be no surprise if Jesus is able to return to the scene when he is fit and firing again.