Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could face a one-match suspension if he picks up another yellow card, but it could give another star a chance in the first team.
Arsenal’s star summer signing Gabriel Jesus has hit the ground running so far, having made the £45million switch from Manchester City. The 25-year-old has scored four and assisted three this Premier League season, helping the side reach top of the table by the first international break.
It’s not just his goal involvements that have made him a standout addition to the side, but his willingness both on and off the ball to contribute to the overall performance has had an impact too. Discussing how he has added to the team, manager Mikel Arteta said: “I wouldn’t like to play against him!
“I have never been a defender but I can imagine that they don’t enjoy it. He’s so mobile, so intuitive and is always sharp and proactive to play in any moment and any phase of the game and he’s a real threat.”
“I think it lifts the standards with the way he’s training every day,” the Spaniard added. “And the way that he’s talking and the way that they [the team] are connecting.”
While the intensity and quality of Jesus has certainly helped the side, there is a clear risk of him being suspended, having picked up four yellow cards already. One more means he will miss a game and with the fiery north London derby up next, another booking would see him miss the all-important meeting with Liverpool.
Should that happen, Arteta could make use of a player that has seen little action so far this season in Eddie Nketiah. The Hale End academy graduate impressed towards the back end of last season, so much so that he signed a new contract at the club to keep him for the future.
The 22-year-old has had few chances in the league to impress though, but with competition for places in the team intense, the suspension for Jesus could prove a blessing in disguise. It could also see a shift in position for the latter, who has shown to be a versatile forward option through the years.
While it’s less than ideal for the Brazilian to be missing, there are ways to combat his absence in the team for any of the upcoming fixtures, with Arsenal now possessing some strength in depth in attacking areas.
