When Gabriel Jesus left Manchester City for Arsenal, he “made it clear” that he wanted to play as a No. 9, but he is now happy to play out wide as well.
Jesus joined Arsenal in the summer of 2017 and quickly established himself as the team’s starting striker, scoring 11 goals in 26 Premier League games. However, this season, Mikel Arteta has decided to stick with Eddie Nketiah as the primary striker and has given Jesus three league starts all on the wings.
Jesus missed the beginning of the season due to knee surgery, but Nketiah made a strong impression in his place, scoring twice in three games to secure a berth in the England squad. A few people have suggested that Jesus should take Nketiah’s place as the No. 9 because he hasn’t scored a league goal since Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Fulham in August.
When asked about his season’s beginning while representing Brazil internationally, Jesus spoke candidly about being used widely. I’ve been playing a lot of roles at Arsenal, it’s important to note that, he continued.
Edu and Arteta spoke to me when I decided to go from City to Arsenal, and I made it plain that I’d like to play 9. To play 9 loosely was Arsenal’s idea, not mine. This season has been different, we’ve had injuries and in the last few games I’ve played three up front.
I considered just saying I wanted to play position nine, but I’m here to support the team. My ability to play in all three forward positions and my versatility are gifts from God. I’d rather not make a decision.
The 26-year-old has only managed one league goal so far this year, but Arteta is optimistic that he will soon return to form. Arteta claimed in a speech made last month that Jesus “changed our world” after he joined the group.
He is a fantastic player and a key member of our team, Arteta stated. Our world was altered by him last season. All of you could see that. He will play an extremely significant role for us. I believe he gave opponents a different vibe, a different belief, a different menace, and a different terror.
And he performed it in a very natural manner. He made a significant contribution to the progress we made last season. It’s clear from the way he plays and makes room for others that he attracts a lot of attention from opponents. His main quality is that.
It was a no-brainer for us to sign a player who is well-known, successful in the league, hungry, and motivated to play for us. And you could immediately observe how he affected the team.
