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

The time may finally have come for Arsenal, who have the Premier League’s “best team”, to put an end to more than 20 years of hurt, according to Jamie Carragher.

Reigning champions Liverpool are yet to establish themselves this season after three consecutive defeats on all fronts, while not even Erling Haaland can help Manchester City regain their former magic.

The sense of ‘now or never’ may be an exaggeration for Mikel Arteta, but the Spaniard looks like he has all the tools at his disposal to lead the Gunners to title glory.

With two and possibly three serious options in each position, and after some effective summer reinforcements, the North Londoners are now once again a force to be reckoned with.

Arteta’s side have one of the meanest defenses in the division, conceding just three goals, and are only second to Man City in terms of goals scored (14-15).

However, this team is certainly not perfect and there are people waiting in the wings who could possibly take them to even greater heights.

Arsenal injury update

Captain Martin Odegaard’s stuttering sending off in the last game against West Ham United has sadly become a familiar sight, with the Norwegian playmaker being substituted within 30 minutes three times this season.

The knee problem could keep the former Real Madrid player out for a significant period of time, adding to Arteta’s frustration after losing new signing Noni Madueke to his own game last month.

Maduke’s bright start to the season was interrupted by his own knee-related setbacks in late September, with the England international facing six to eight weeks out.

This left the speedy winger on the treatment table alongside fellow ex-Chelsea player Kai Havertz, but the German is yet to feature this season after undergoing knee surgery before the start of the new season.

Despite missing most of the 2024/25 season, although he has scored 15 goals in all competitions, Havertz is expected to return at some stage in November, with Arteta currently limited to replacing Viktor Gökeres in midfield.

It will be an interesting debate as to who the Arsenal manager will choose to lead the team when Havertz returns, but Carragher expects it will be Havertz rather than Gokeres who will be judged in the “biggest game”.

Gabriel Jesus, who is also absent, is of little consideration in terms of competition for the number nine role, but could the Brazilian be the perfect solution on the left?

Why Arsenal’s forgotten man will explode soon

Remember August 2022? New Arsenal won 2-0 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

William Saliba’s long-awaited debut was undoubtedly the headline act, as he appeared in an eye-catching pink kit, but Jesus’ own first appearance for the Gunners was enough to garner attention.

Indeed, the former Manchester City man was simply “emotional” on the day, as Gary Neville pointed out at the time, producing his first “magical” performance since his £45m move from the Etihad.

Unfortunately, such performances were few and far between, and Jesus suffered a number of injuries over the next few years, scoring just 26 goals in 96 games, despite dishing out a further 20 assists.

Injuries have no doubt played a role, but perhaps Arteta is yet to reach his full potential. Much of the forwards’ best work under Pep Guardiola came from the wings.

Indeed, the man who was previously hailed as a “game changer” by Alan Shearer has scored 14 goals and assisted in just 20 games as a right-winger for Manchester, according to Transfermarkt, and contributed 10 goals in 19 games as a left-winger.

With neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli able to properly solidify their starting spots yet, it is in the latter role that the 28-year-old could find a place for himself this season. Ebelesi Eze, on the other hand, will likely take on Odegaard’s role more centrally.

Jesus, who is back on grass recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, may not be back anytime soon, but he could well become something of an addition to Arteta’s squad as the season progresses.

The 64-cap Brazil international, who has scored 149 goals and provided 73 assists in 415 games at the top level, is still too good a talent to pass up, even if there are reports that he could move on in January.

With his nimble footwork and relentless pressing, Jesus is rated by FBref in the top 6% of European forwards for take-ons per 90 and in the top 3% for tackles per 90, underscoring what an asset he is both in and out of possession.

While many at Arsenal may be attracted to new faces like Eze, Gokeres and Madueke, it would be no surprise to see Jesus burst back onto the scene once he is fit and active again.