To break the tension and address the obvious, Gabriel Jesus has undoubtedly captured the attention of Premier League fans, particularly Arsenal supporters, with his impressive performances. After years of relative obscurity in an Arsenal shirt, he has delivered standout displays in two games against Crystal Palace, netting a remarkable total of five goals across these fixtures.
Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal Star Forgotten, Found Again
A Case of Unrealized Potential
Gabriel Jesus’s career has often been a story of unfulfilled potential — hampered by a lack of consistent opportunities, misfortune, or simply circumstances beyond his control. Despite these challenges, there has never been any doubt about the immense talent the Brazilian forward possesses.
During his time at Manchester City, Jesus found his chances limited with Sergio Agüero firmly established as the team’s main striker. After Agüero’s departure, Jesus had a brief window to establish himself before the arrival of Erling Haaland, whose signing once again was sure to relegate Jesus to a supporting role. Recognizing the recurring pattern, Jesus made the bold decision to leave City in search of a club where he could finally take centre stage. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta answered that call, making Jesus his top target for the 2022 summer transfer window.
In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Gabriel Jesus recorded a respectable 11 goals and 6 assists in 26 games for Arsenal. However, this remains his best tally to date for the Gunners, largely due to the knee injury that significantly impacted his form and fitness. The injury required surgery and was followed by three additional knee setbacks over the course of a year. These struggles with injury culminated in Jesus’ form declining eventually leading him to reveal to the media that he couldn’t recall playing football without pain, admitting he still occasionally felt discomfort in his knee. The toll of these injuries undoubtedly made it challenging for him to meet the high expectations placed upon him.
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A Potential Resurgence at Arsenal
Now, with just two games played in four days, Gabriel Jesus seems to have discovered a new level to his game. Scoring a hat-trick and a brace to amass an impressive tally of five goals, he looks ready to make the most significant stride of his career. This resurgence could not have come at a better time for Arsenal, as they face the prolonged absence of Bukayo Saka, sidelined for several weeks. Amid growing calls from fans for a dependable striker, Jesus has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as Arsenal’s primary forward.
This is undoubtedly a change in fortune for the Brazilian. Just weeks before the double contests against Crystal Palace, rumours swirled that his time in an Arsenal shirt might come to an end in the upcoming transfer window. Yet, two games within four days have flipped that narrative. Arsenal, previously preparing to enter the January transfer market for reinforcements, may now face a dilemma. Should Jesus sustain his current form, the club might have to rethink their transfer plans, and his continued rise would only deepen this conundrum.
A critical question now is whether Jesus will take over the No. 9 role currently occupied by Kai Havertz. While this is a possibility, it doesn’t necessarily spell reduced game time for Havertz, who is versatile enough to play in midfield as he did against Crystal Palace in the PL or even on the right wing. This flexibility could allow Arteta to adapt his lineup without losing the tactical advantage Havertz brings to the team.
What makes Jesus particularly intriguing as a No. 9 is his technical ability, especially his skill in carrying the ball. This not only draws defenders toward him but also creates space for Arsenal’s wingers to exploit. Give him enough space, and he will take it to find a shot; mark him tightly, and he lures you in while exposing the gaps you’ve left behind. It’s a double-edged sword that makes him a constant threat in the attacking third.
Gabriel Jesus is clearly playing with the pure joy and carefree smile reminiscent of children playing football, and it’s even sweeter when those performances come with goals that help secure crucial three points for his team. Recently, he shared the secret behind his resurgence, stating, “When I play with a smile on my face, everything is different.”
For someone whose career has been marred by injuries and misfortune, it’s heartwarming to see the Brazilian rediscovering his love for the game. The next step would be to channel that passion into tangible success by helping his team secure a Premier League trophy—potentially delivering Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta his first league title after five years at the helm of the London club. Just a year ago, Jesus revealed he couldn’t remember playing football without pain. Now, he plays with a smile, a newfound sense of freedom, and a confidence that could mark the beginning of his Cinderella story.