Arsenal’s secret weapon is back, this moment vs Club Brugge showed why Mikel Arteta will be delighted
Gabriel Jesus has finally returned to action for Arsenal, 322 days after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Arsenal beat Club Brugge 3-0 on Wednesday, with the Brazilian making his way off the bench in the second half.
Noni Madueke‘s double had put the Gunners into a commanding lead, with Gabriel Martinelli‘s curler adding a third just before his compatriot’s introduction.
Jesus played a friendly against Manchester United Under-21s last week, with the forward now ready to be involved in first-team action once again.
Immediately, Jesus impressed on his return against Club Brugge, giving Arsenal fans just a taste of what they have been without for almost a year.
Gabriel Jesus looks sharp on Arsenal return
Arsenal are reportedly open to offers for Jesus in January, although Arteta may think again after seeing the Brazilian back in action on Wednesday.
The forward’s arrival from Manchester City in 2022 was transformational for the Gunners, who looked a completely different team going forward.
The years since have seen the 28-year-old suffer with injury after injury, but his return each time has left a positive impact on his team.
| Gabriel Jesus | vs Club Brugge |
| Minutes played | 28 |
| Accurate passes | 14/15 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Duels won | 2/2 |
On his return, the striker instantly looked sharp. Viktor Gyokeres had started the game, and often looked to wrestle with his defenders to hold the ball up.
But Jesus progresses play in a different way. Within moments of coming on, the forward was already finding space across the front-line, sometimes dropping onto the right flank, or into the midfield to receive the ball.
Once on it, he would turn away from defenders to find teammates, or just take them on. The Brazilian earns you something that no other Arsenal striker can – complete fluidity.
It is a dangerous asset that was best exemplified when Jesus made a run from the left touchline, picking up the ball while Martinelli occupied space in the penalty area.
Despite almost a year away from the pitch, there was no lack of confidence. The former Manchester City man drove into the box before unleashing a shot that clipped off the crossbar.
Why Jesus could be the key for Arsenal
For Arteta, options are ideal. With Gyokeres, Mikel Merino, Jesus, and eventually, Kai Havertz, Arsenal have four different strikers who, if deployed, can all lead the front line differently.
Given the Gunners’ massive attacking talent in the wide areas, however, it is hard to shake a feeling that Jesus could well provide the most dangerous solution.
The Brazilian’s ability to create overloads in wide areas and leave defenders unsure who to mark is unmatched.
One of the main benefits of Gyokeres’ inclusion is that the Swede draws so much attention that the likes of Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka are usually left to run at isolated defenders.
But what if Arsenal were able to recreate the same effect, while getting those wingers into the penalty area, too?
Jesus could well hold the key to many of the locks that the Gunners will face this season, but, as Arteta will surely know, it is vital that they protect him from further injury.