An Arsenal icon become a fanvoice. “We need a killer,” Ian Wright wrote as they departed the FA Cup with 18 shots, no goals, and a match that exemplified a school of thought. He simply expressed what many believed. Arsenal lack a modern Ian Wright.
Gabriel Jesus was not playing when Arsenal’s wastefulness defeated Liverpool, yet he seemed the problem. Jesus is a helper, runner, and worker, not a killer. Wright’s comments at the start of the transfer window, amid Ivan Toney rumors, made it more relevant. Arsenal often say they need a striker, a finisher, a clinical player.
Instead, they will close January without additions but with a massive endorsement of their No. 9, an unselfish attacker in a position when others have selfish strikers. Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest with a Jesus goal, assist, and sprinting.
Which turned out to be even more admirable. His knee fluid compromised his eligibility. Manager Mikel Arteta stated Gabi started winning two days ago. His knee was hurt, so everyone told him not to go outside. However, he said [matchday] minus two and one: ‘I want to be there I want to help the squad to win the game’. With that mindset, good things will happen.”
Arsenal has improved since losing to Liverpool. In a 5-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace, the centre-forward did not score or have a shot on target, but he did have an assist, four vital passes, and an expected assist total of 1.08.
Perhaps his shot against the City Ground post resembled Jesus in a nutshell—almost perfect, but not enough of a goalscorer. Keeping the score 0-0 would have supported the idea that Arsenal needed a predator.
Jesus broke the deadlock from an unlikely angle with perfection that belied his penchant to miss simpler chances. The Brazilian then finished a counter-attack by assisting Bukayo Saka to score Arsenal’s second goal.
A goal, an assist, and hard work—the perfect Jesus performance. “He was magnificent today,” Arteta added. “He did the same against Palace but didn’t score. He struck the post today and could have scored more. He was active when linking play and causing disruption.
Arsenal faced a deep defense and crowded penalty area. Conventional wisdom says they need a poacher to find an opportunity and a finisher to take their sole chance. Instead, Jesus appeared outside the box, sometimes swapping positions with Gabriel Martinelli. Its exhibit was unique.
This was not an argument-ender. Not when 40 players have more Premier League goals this season, and that figure will rise by the time Jesus plays again. He has four goals in 17 games, 41 shots, 1099 minutes. He’s missed six big chances. His spending has been more than prolific.
Fairness requires noting that just four players have scored more in the Champions League and that Jesus’ domestic goal return was better last season. Three teammates outscored him.
The team gains from deploying a team player. Having played 202 appearances, Jesus will reach 150 with Arsenal’s next Premier League win. His impressive win rate is further explained by the fact that most of those matches were for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Jesus can compromise by requiring others to score more when he doesn’t. When he plays, they’ll have a higher chance of scoring. Sergio Aguero and Jesus were Guardiola’s main strikers until his final two years, when either Aguero declined or left. City won both years. Arsenal needs a finisher to replace Aguero. They have none this month.
If Arsenal’s title chances depend on Gabriel Jesus, Arteta may believe they can’t without him.
