Why striker Gabriel Jesus will be Arsenal's most important player of 2024
Last season, it was the hope that killed for Arsenal fans, but they head into 2024 with their side again firmly in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta outlined his intentions in the summer by spending big, and the £105million purchase of Declan Rice has proved a masterstroke with the England midfielder adding an element of control to the Gunners. Despite an upturn in form the jury remains out on Kai Havertz, while the likes of Willian Saliba and Bukayo Saka have again proven to be clinical to Arsenal's form.
But still, the perception lingers that Arteta's side lack the clinical goalscorer needed to take them to a first title since the hazy days on the 'Invincibles' in 2003/2004. And for all the speculation surrounding Ivan Toney, Brentford's apparent insistence of a three figure fee essentially means the north London club can forget the far-fetched notion of a transfer.
Which is the why the goalscoring form of Gabriel Jesus will now define Arsenal's season. Since signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian has won hearts and minds with his work-rate, movement, and willingness to link up play. All of which of course, signify plausible attributes.
And yet, the wider perception of the 26-year-old remains tainted by two telling statistics. Persistent injury problems have meant Jesus has only featured in 40 of Arsenal's 57 Premier League games since £45million move. Of further significance, is his record of 14 top-flight goals in red, essentially one in every three matches. Look at the list of the top-25 goal scorers in this current season, and his name does not feature.
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Comparing strike rates with the freak of nature that is Erling Haaland is futile. Few are demanding he matches Mo Salah's numbers either. But the damning reality remains that as the team's No.9, his current ratio is not going to fire them to the title they crave.
In the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, and the early months of the next one, Arsenal desperately need the versatile forward to add a clinical aspect to his admirable all-round play. And a harrowing reminder of what fate belies them if Jesus does not step up came in the post-Christmas defeat to West Ham.
Gabriel Jesus has been criticised for his lack of goals for Arsenal (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Arsenal win the Premier League? Comment below.
Arteta's men registered 77 touches in the Hammers area, the most for a team in the top-flight that failed to score since 2008/09. You don't win points, let alone major honours, for touches in the opposition box.
In 12 months time, experts - and fans - could be reflecting on the year when Jesus finally came good in front of goal, delivered on his long-standing potential to score prolifically, and inspired Arsenal to silverware. Alternatively, he could be watching much of the Arsenal action from a bench, with Arteta having lost patience in his side's lack of ruthlessness and delved elsewhere in the summer window.
Arguably, Jesus is not the most consistent, high quality performer at Arsenal. Rice now takes that mantle. But suddenly, he appears the most important.
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