Arsenal are set for their return to action after the international break with a huge run of games that could determine their place in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side have spluttered and stalled over the early weeks but all is not lost as a busy festive period awaits with plenty of games to close the gap.
Getting some of the Gunners’ form players fit and firing again will be the key to getting that feel-good atmosphere back at the Emirates Stadium, starting against Nottingham Forest.
While questions remain over which players will be fit, given Arsenal’s growing injury list, there are still some quality options available.
That includes Gabriel Jesus, who hasn’t quite found that spark this season, but could prove pivotal to Arsenal in their title push.
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Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal record vs Nottingham Forest
If there’s one thing football is capable of, it’s creating narratives and those stories that seem to live on no matter what.
Some of those can be about players having the knack of scoring against certain opposition, which is certainly the case with Gabriel Jesus and Nottingham Forest.
The Brazilian has faced the in-form Midlands side three times in his career out of a possible four – missing out on the quadruple through injury in 2023/24.
Jesus has contributed one goal and three assists against the Tricky Trees, which included scoring and setting up two crucial finishes to beat the side 2-1 last season.
With a run like that, the 27-year-old could extend it again over the weekend if Arteta decides to give him the call.
It largely depends on a few factors, such as the squad available to the Arsenal boss and the trust he places in Jesus.
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Gabriel Jesus faces crucial period for Arsenal transfer future
The next few months for Jesus will be vitally important if he wishes to be part of the Arsenal project in the future.
While the versatile forward was the face of a changed side, one willing to push Man City for the title, his drop-off in form and influence has been stark.
He is no longer showing the ability of a magician with the ball at his feet, finding his way out of tight spaces while staving off incoming opposition defenders.
The Gunners simply need him to show that form as well as contribute to goals to help them in a push across all fronts.
| Appearances | 15 |
| Minutes | 489 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
When factoring in the difficult fixture schedule and the injury issues, Arsenal need to count on their squad players like Jesus to make more of an impact.
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