Arsenal remain on course to win a long-awaited Premier League title under the watchful eye of Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners occupying top-spot heading towards the potentially season-defining festive period, which could make or break their season.
They made some shrewd additions to their squad during the summer transfer window, with Declan Rice being one of those to add much-needed quality to the Arsenal starting XI. Rice netted the winner against Luton Town in a hugely entertaining 4-3 win at Kenilworth Road, where David Raya’s blushes were spared after two notable errors.
At the other end of the pitch, Gabriel Jesus caught the eye with a strong performance, with the Brazilian international scoring Arsenal’s second goal of the night against the Hatters. Jesus was also on hand to provide a well-weighted pass for Kai Havertz to poke home for 3-3 against Luton.
Jesus has found it tough for a consistent run in the Arsenal team due to injury problems earlier this season, but he looks as though he’s back to his best in recent weeks, which will be a real boost to Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal squad ahead of some crucial matches heading towards the New Year.
If Jesus can continue to perform to a high standard, whilst also having goal contributions, then you’d imagine that Arsenal will have every chance of making a serious push for the title this season. He’s a player that has found it tough to stay fit for the majority of a season, but with Eddie Nketiah proving to be the ideal backup striker to Jesus, there’s additional pressure on the Brazilian.
He seems to be thriving with that competition for his starting spot, and it would come as a surprise to see Arteta looking to add any further depth to his attacking options in the January transfer window, although that could change of Nketiah is to look for a move elsewhere due his lack of consistent game time.
Speaking exclusively to BonusCodeBets, former England international John Barnes wasn’t convinced on Arsenal’s title chances, whilst also weighing in on the weight of expectation of Jesus to fire Arsenal to the title.
“Well they almost won the league with him last season so I don’t see why they can’t. They play in a way that enables other players to score goals. It’s not just about Jesus.
“Haaland scored 50 goals last season and Arsenal almost won the league. Jesus gives Arsenal work rate, he has great hold up play, brings people into play and will get you close to 20 goals in a season. Arsenal have a great chance to win the league. I don’t think they will because City are still favourites.”
Goals haven’t been a problem in this Arsenal team in recent years, even without goals consistently coming from the striker position, and when you’ve got players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all chipping in with goals, the Gunners will keep themselves in the hunt for a long overdue league title. If Jesus can build on some strong recent showings, then you’d imagine that they’ll have every chance of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title.
