Gabriel Jesus was dropped from the starting lineup for Arsenal’s game against Leeds United at Elland Road.
The Brazil international got the nod in the Gunners’ last Premier League game against Manchester United, and he wasn’t great.
On Saturday, Mikel Arteta chose Viktor Gyokeres, and the Arsenal manager’s decision paid off as the Swede was very good.
However, there was a moment in the first half involving Gyokeres that seemed to annoy Jesus on the bench.
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Why Gabriel Jesus was frustrated during Leeds vs Arsenal after action involving Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres led Arsenal’s line very well against Leeds United.
The Swede was physical with the centre-backs, occupied good positions and linked up play really well for large parts of the game.
There was a moment in the first half when Gyokeres got on the end of a well-worked corner from Noni Madueke. He stayed behind the far post and headed the ball back across the goal.
Jesus has scored a few headed tap-ins like that in his career, and watching on from the sidelines, he expected someone to get on the end of that.
However, Kai Havertz wasn’t aggressive enough, and the ball went out of play without troubling Leeds.
Gyokeres was understandably annoyed that nobody attacked the ball, and Jesus was not happy on the sidelines either.
Sam Blitz watched it live and wrote on Sky Sports’ live blog: “Gabriel Jesus had his hands up in frustration on the sidelines after that Gyokeres chance.
“I remember the Brazilian striker scoring a similar goal from a corner at the back post in that position against Brighton a couple of seasons ago.
“The angle was tight, so not quite in the ‘sitter’ category, but a huge reminder of Arsenal’s set play threat.”
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The solution to Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres problem has been found
Gyokeres has had his ups and downs at Arsenal this season.
The Swede is the Gunners’ top scorer, but there have been many games in which he has found himself isolated at the top end of the pitch.
Against Kairat and at Leeds, Arteta deployed Havertz just behind him, and Gyokeres looks like a completely different player with the added support.
Going forward, Arsenal need to start either Havertz or Jesus up top with the former Sporting CP striker to get the best out of him.
If they don’t and Martin Odegaard keeps dropping back, Gyokeres will struggle once again. That will not help anybody.
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