There is a growing debate around the Arsenal striker situation right now. Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to fully impose himself, while often-injured Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has quietly reminded people why the Gunners often function better with him leading Arsenal’s attack. This is not about goals alone. It is about connection, rhythm, and how Arsenal actually build attacks.
Gabriel Jesus fits Arsenal in a way that goes beyond numbers. His value shows up in how the team moves, how attacks develop, and how pressure is sustained. That connector role is something Arsenal are missing at times, especially against compact defences.
Gyokeres’ struggles are not purely individual. They are largely structural. Arsenal dominate possession in most matches, which means the striker is often asked to operate in tight spaces rather than run into open channels. Gyokeres thrives when he can attack space directly, but Arsenal rarely play that way against deep blocks.
In possession-heavy games, Gyokeres can become isolated. The ball circulates around him rather than through him. When service is limited and touches are few, his impact naturally drops. This has led to frustration and the growing perception that he is not offering enough in the buildup.
That context matters. Arsenal’s current issues in the final third are more about attacking fluidity than finishing alone.
What Allows Arsenal Striker Gabriel Jesus to Play in the Connector Role
Gabriel Jesus changes how Arsenal attack because he constantly looks to involve others. He drops into midfield zones, drifts into wide areas, and creates angles for passes that do not exist with a static striker.
The Gabriel Jesus connector role allows Arsenal to progress the ball more cleanly. Instead of forcing passes around the block, Arsenal often play through Jesus. He links midfield to attack and helps sustain pressure by keeping moves alive.
This is why Arsenal often look sharper and more unpredictable when Jesus plays. The ball moves quicker. The spacing improves. Attacks feel less rehearsed and more reactive.
How Jesus Improves Arsenal’s Attacking Fluidity
When Jesus plays, Arsenal’s attacking fluidity increases noticeably. Wingers benefit from his movement because defenders are dragged out of position, creating more space for players like Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli to exploit. Midfielders also benefit because they have a reliable outlet between the lines, someone who can drop into pockets of space, link play, and turn possession into attacking momentum.
Jesus does not need to score to influence games. His positioning and decision-making allow him to act as a connector between different parts of the pitch. For example, by dropping slightly deeper, he can receive the ball from Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard and immediately combine with wide players or forwards making runs in behind the defence. This ability to combine quickly and read the flow of play means Arsenal can maintain tempo even against compact defensive setups.
This is especially important in tight matches where breaking down a well-organised defence requires subtle movement rather than brute force. Instead of forcing the ball into the penalty area, Jesus helps Arsenal circulate possession, create overloads on one side, and pull defenders out of their comfort zones. He essentially acts as a fulcrum for attack, ensuring the team’s movement is coordinated and unpredictable.
In contrast, when Arsenal rely solely on a penalty box presence, buildup can become slower and more predictable. Defenders can crowd the box, and Arsenal’s chances often become limited to long balls, crosses, or isolated shots. Jesus helps prevent that stagnation by continuously linking passes, dragging defenders, and creating new angles for attack. His influence often goes unnoticed on the scoresheet but is crucial in how Arsenal dominate possession and create high-quality opportunities.
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Why This Matters Right Now
Arsenal are in a phase where control and possession are high, but chance creation can still feel laboured. In that context, a connector striker makes more sense than a pure finisher. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus suits what Arsenal need right now, even if he is not the most clinical option.
This does not mean Gyokeres cannot succeed. It means Arsenal’s current structure plays to Jesus’ strengths more naturally. Fit matters just as much as talent.
Gabriel Jesus may not always dominate headlines, but his importance to Arsenal’s attack is clear. He connects phases of play, improves attacking rhythm, and brings teammates into the game. Right now, that connector role might be more valuable to Arsenal than a traditional number nine.
That is why, even with new signings and shifting expectations, Gabriel Jesus still makes Arsenal’s attack work.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / IPS
Recording Date: 23.12.2025
