Could Jesus Solve Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma?

Following a sensational display in which Gabriel Jesus netted a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta was quick to assert that the Brazilian has recaptured his electrifying form.

But, unfortunately for Palace, they were not yet free of Jesuit pressure.

At Selhurst Park on Saturday, Jesus picked up right where he left off at the Emirates, firing home two first-half goals—his inaugural strikes in this Premier League campaign—during a staggering 5-1 demolition of Oliver Glasner’s side.

He wasted no time in opening the scoring, converting a close-range opportunity after Bukayo Saka’s cross fortuitously fell into his path thanks to a deflection.

Ismaila Sarr briefly leveled for Palace, but Jesus reestablished Arsenal’s lead with a magnificent strike that kissed the top corner—an exquisite finish which showcased the qualities Arteta wholeheartedly believes he possesses.

Although he missed out on a potential second hat-trick in just four days, the tally of five goals in two matches is a remarkable transformation for a player who previously struggled to find the back of the net—only managing five goals in his last 45 appearances for Arteta’s men.

“It is great to be back in the team, playing more,” Jesus reflected after Saturday’s triumph. “Arsenal is a massive club and I know the pressure as a number nine here. When I play with a smile on my face, everything is different.”

Former England hitman Alan Shearer poignantly noted on BBC Match of the Day: “He’s been having such a tough time in front of goal. Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit. He got the goals in midweek, and you can see the belief he would have had in training.

“He absolutely had to start today. It was a wonderful performance. It’s no surprise he’s back in the goals. He’s got a spring back in his step.”

Amidst questions revolving around whether Arsenal truly requires a more proficient goalscorer, could it very well be that Jesus is the catalyst the Gunners have been seeking?

Remarkably, Jesus’ five strikes against Palace this week have come from just 10 attempts—an alarmingly efficient conversion rate.

He could have effortlessly completed his second treble in days had he not struck the post and fired straight at Henderson in the lead-up to Gabriel Martinelli’s fourth goal.

In South London, he registered more goal attempts—both in total and on target—than any of his teammates, while showcasing a predatory instinct with six touches inside the Palace area, second only to Martinelli.

“He has changed his game—he is getting in the box more,” former Arsenal star Paul Merson opined on Sky Sports. “He was in the box so much today.

“He has realized that assists aren’t enough to get him into this Arsenal team.”

Last season, Jesus matched his assists tally to his goal count, totaling eight across all competitions. Post-match, he suggested his insatiable hunger to occupy more threatening positions on the pitch.

“I’m happy to get more chances, but it is down to me to put myself in a good position to score,” the 27-year-old stated emphatically.

“I know I can score. I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action, like today. I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.”

This newfound eagerness to inhabit more perilous spaces certainly does not compromise Jesus’ exceptional all-round game—at least it didn’t against Palace.

A glance at the striker’s touch map suggests he scrutinized his duties across the pitch, registering a remarkable 12 of his 40 touches in his own half.

Interestingly, only Martinelli had more duels than Jesus’ 13, with the Brazilian edging the statistics by winning an impressive six duels, the highest for any Gunners player on the field.

Covering nearly 10 miles of ground, Jesus also clocked a remarkable 345 intensive sprints—more than any of his teammates.

As Arteta’s squad approaches one of the most demanding phases of the season, it’s evident Jesus has struck a perfect equilibrium—flitting elegantly between the role of a crafty finisher and an industrious forward willing to chase every ball, contributing selflessly to his side.

If this scintillating form persists, don’t be surprised if more clubs fall victim to his newfound verve in the weeks and months to come.

“I always work hard,” Jesus proclaimed. “When a player is playing constantly, it is different, [in terms of] confidence and physicality.

“I’m happy to get more chances. I’m trying to keep my mind strong and help the team.

“I am happy to be back scoring. I want to keep scoring.”