Gabriel Jesus is struggling to justify his massive wages, and with Viktor Gyokeres in red-hot form, Mikel Arteta cannot afford sentimental selections against the Bees.
It is a hard truth for Arsenal fans to swallow, but Mikel Arteta’s side still lacks a truly “elite” natural goalscorer. While the Gunners sit atop the Premier League, they remain one step behind the clinical efficiency of Erling Haaland.
However, in Viktor Gyokeres, they may have finally found the closest thing to a solution. The Swede has silenced doubters since his move from Portugal, netting six times already in 2026—more than any other Premier League player this calendar year.
The Havertz Blow and the Jesus Dilemma
The news of Kai Havertz’s fresh muscle injury, ruling him out for up to a month, should have been the moment for Gabriel Jesus to reclaim his throne. Instead, it has only highlighted how far the Brazilian has fallen.
Despite pocketing a staggering £265,000 per week, Jesus looks like a player on borrowed time at the Emirates. While his recovery from a devastating ACL injury earns him some sympathy, his recent performances suggest he is no longer the man to lead a title charge.
Numbers Don’t Lie: Jesus vs. Gyokeres
Last weekend’s showing against Sunderland was the final straw for many. While Gyokeres came off the bench to score twice with devastating impact, Jesus was a source of constant frustration.
The stats from the Sunderland game paint a bleak picture for the Brazilian:
- Shots: 1 (Total xG of 0.01)
- Offsides: 3 (Killed multiple attacking transitions)
- Duels won: 0 out of 3
- Minutes Played: 60 (Withdrawn early for the second consecutive game)
Once compared to Thierry Henry by club legend Ray Parlour for his ability to cut in from the left, Jesus now looks a shadow of that “explosive” forward. His goal-scoring record has seen a steady decline since his Manchester City days, bottoming out at just 4 goals in 16 appearances this season.
The Verdict for Brentford
As Arsenal travel across London to face Brentford this Thursday, Arteta faces a defining choice. Even with Havertz sidelined, starting Gabriel Jesus would be a regressive move.
The “moment of magic” Jesus used to provide is being replaced by heavy touches and poor positioning. In a title race where goal difference and clinical finishing are everything, the Swede, Viktor Gyokeres, is the only logical choice to lead the line.
For the £265k-a-week man, the exit door at the Emirates has never looked closer.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
