Arsenal’s forgotten ‘game changer’ could be as explosive as any new signing

team with “Best band“in Premier LeagueAccording to Jamie Carragher, ArsenalIt may be time to end more than 20 years of hurt.

Defending champions Liverpool – in the midst of a three-game losing streak on all fronts – have been unable to find their feet this season, while not even Erling Haaland can help Manchester City regain their former magic.

Feeling like it’s now or never Mikel Arteta This may be a touch of exaggeration, although the Spaniard appears to have all the tools at his disposal to lead the Gunners to glory.

With two, and in some cases three real options in each position, after an effective summer of recruitment, the North London players are now a force to be reckoned with once again.

Arteta’s men feature the weakest defense in the division – with just three goals conceded – and Arteta’s men are second behind only Man City in terms of goals scored (14 to 15).

This aspect is certainly not ideal, with those waiting in the wings who could perhaps take them to greater heights.

Latest developments in Arsenal’s injury situation

It was the sight of captain Martin Odegaard walking tiredly against West Ham United last time out Unfortunately it becomes commonplaceThe Norwegian playmaker has been substituted within 30 minutes on three separate occasions this season.

This knee issue could see the former Real Madrid player sidelined for an extended period, adding further frustration for Arteta after losing new signing Noni Madueke to his own spell on the sidelines last month.

Madueke’s impressive start to the season was interrupted by a knee setback in late September, with the England international set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

This saw the quick-footed winger join forces with another former Chelsea man, Kai Havertzon the treatment table, as the German has not yet appeared this season after undergoing knee surgery before the start of the new season.

Missing for most of 2024/25 as well, despite scoring 15 goals in all competitions, Havertz is expected to return to action. Some point in NovemberWith Arteta currently remaining limited in terms of replacements for Victor Gyukiris in the middle.

It will be an interesting debate as to who the Arsenal manager will prefer to lead the line after Havertz returns to action, with Carragher predicting it will be the latter man – rather than Gjukeris – who will get the nod.”The biggest games“.

absent colleague, Gabriel Jesusbarely enters the equation in terms of competition for ninth place, although the Brazilian could prove to be the perfect solution on the left flank?

Why Arsenal’s forgotten man could soon explode?

Cast your mind back to August 2022, where a new-look Arsenal side recorded a deserved 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

William Saliba appeared wearing this eye-catching pink kit, making his long-awaited debut the main event, although Jesus’ debut for Arsenal attracted more than enough attention.

In fact, the former Manchester City man was simply ‘electric’ that day, as it were Gary Neville noticed At the time, he gave his first ‘magical’ performance after his £45m move from the Etihad.

Unfortunately, such performances were few and far between, as Jesus was repeatedly plagued by injury in the years that followed, scoring just 26 goals in 96 appearances in total – albeit while contributing a further 20 assists.

Injury has undoubtedly played its part, although Arteta may not have brought out his best yet, as much of the striker’s best work under Pep Guardiola has come from the wings.

Indeed, the man has previously been praised as “Game changerAlan Shearer has scored 14 goals and one assist in just 20 appearances as a right winger for Manchester, as well as ten goals in 19 appearances on the left side, according to Transfermarkt.

In this latter role, the 28-year-old could find a home for himself this season, with Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli yet to properly cement a starting place, while Eberechi Eze is likely to take on Odegaard’s role more centrally.

Now back on the turf as he ramps up his recovery from the ACL knock, Jesus’ return may not come in the near future, although he could prove to be something of a new signing for Arteta as the season progresses.

A man with 149 goals and 73 assists in 415 appearances at senior level, the 64-cap Brazil international is too good a talent to be written off just yet, even if reports suggest he It could be transferred in January.

Possessing relentless foot power and pressing at his best, Jesus still ranks in the top 6% of European strikers in dribbles made per 90, as well as in the top 3% in tackles made per 90, as FBref shows, underscoring the asset he can be both on and off the ball.

While many at Arsenal may be enamored with new faces such as Eze, Geokris and Madueke, it would not be a surprise if Jesus could return to the scene when he is fit and strike again.