Arsenal are just two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta has a new tactic that could help close the gap in the coming weeks.
Arsenal could use Victor Goqueres alongside Gabriel Jesus in a two-striker formation, according to manager Mikel Arteta. Under Arteta, the Gunners have typically played with a single focus up front, but Jesus’ return to fitness has given them greater options.
The Brazilian striker made his return after 11 months out with a serious knee injury, coming on as a substitute in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Club Brugge. Arsenal have been plagued by injuries across the squad this season, with midfielder Mikel Merino regularly forced into a striker role.
Kai Havertz remains unavailable, but Arteta still has the option of playing for Gokeres, who signed Jesus in the summer. That could mean adjustments to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, or Jesus playing on the wing.
“It would be very strong and both players would probably prefer to play a bit shifted to the left flank and could be swapped in that position. That’s something we haven’t experienced yet,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Wolves.
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“And that’s going to put an extra body closer to the box in the central position, so that’s something we can work on. We have to make sure they stay healthy so they have a lot of options.”
“I think we have very strong personnel. That position is the way we put them at the same time and it’s very difficult in terms of the match situation, but I’m very happy with our players. In the last six months of the competition we haven’t had more than two players at the same time. Hopefully we can get into that position.”
There have been some concerns about Jesus given his prolonged absence from action, but Arteta is confident he can contribute as Arsenal chase the Premier League title. Asked Friday if he might consider selling Jesus in January, he said: “No, I’m not thinking about that, especially under the current circumstances.”
“I think in Gabriel we have a player who can offer a lot to the team and he quickly proved that in the first moment he was available. He has done a lot to get himself into this position again and now his focus is on being with us.”
The Arsenal manager also suggested that Jesus could put pressure on Gokeres to take the first-choice striker spot. When asked about his potential, he said: “A player of his quality, a player who has given us a lot.”
“He came in with the same kind of energy that he had the other day. He’s certainly a player that we’ve got to push and go for, that’s for sure.”
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