MY ACCOUNT
Gabriel Jesus is back bagging goals for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ talisman picked up a knee injury while on World Cup duty with Brazil which saw him sidelined for 15 matches before making his comeback last month.
Since the 26-year-old’s return to the Emirates, he has been back at his best — scoring three times in his last two games.
Jesus has resumed the stunning form that set off the league leaders’ title tilt and will be key to taking all three points against West Ham this afternoon.
Returning to the fold
Jesus’ return to action came as a substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham.
The Brazilian came off the bench against Crystal Palace before re-establishing his spot in the starting line-up against Leeds by scoring twice — once from the penalty spot.
Against Liverpool, he doubled the Gunners’ lead with a fine header and looked to show no lingering issues from his spell on sidelines.
Jesus ended the match by completing all four of his take-ons, registering two shots and regaining possession four times in the defensive third.
Firmino role
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson praised Jesus for his impact and compared his playing style to compatriot Roberto Firmino.
Merson said: “I thought he [Jesus] was outstanding. He just brings something different to Arsenal.
“He comes off players, he knits it all together. He reminds me a bit of Firmino at Liverpool when he was in his pomp, playing with [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah. He is a bit like that.
“He comes short, he can go long. He’s just a proper, proper footballer.”
Creating chaos
Jesus’ biggest strength comes from his capacity to create opportunities out of almost nothing.
In his absence, Arsenal missed his link play, as well as his close-control dribbling, physicality and ability to create chances.
In his four league appearances since returning, the Sao Paulo native has won 16 ground duels and drawn three fouls in the final third. He has also completed nine of his 13 take-on attempts in that timeframe.
Arsenal’s No9 is given the freedom to roam across the front three, picking the ball up in different areas and running at defences.
Mentality monster
Team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko hailed Jesus’ mentality and capacity to overcome setbacks.
He said: “I’m so happy for him because I saw him most days during his rehab and how he was working so hard to be back on track.
“He is an example of how hard you have to work every single day and have the right attitude. In the simple exercises we have, normally guys might use 50% of their focus, but he is like an animal.
“There are a lot of frustrating moments in football, such as when you don’t play much, or you didn’t play well in the last game, but his reaction after those moments is incredible.”
Hammers hazard
Arsenal make a short trip to East London to face West Ham, hoping to get back on track after their draw at Liverpool.
With Declan Rice screening the defence, Jesus must be at his best to unpick the Irons’ rearguard and create opportunities for himself and his team-mates.
The Hammers are firmly locked in a relegation battle but remain relatively tight at the back, conceding 39 goals this season.
Arsenal have already won nine London derbies this term and will be hoping to make it 10.
With Jesus back and firing on all cylinders, the Gunners may well do just that.
