Arsenal are going to be without Kai Havertz for the upcoming Premier League match against Brentford.
It’s a frustrating blow for Mikel Arteta, given that the German has contributed to four goals since returning from his long-term knee injury.
Havertz’s form has made those around him better, which is an additional concern for the Arsenal manager, but fortunately, there are solutions.
Arsenal’s squad depth is admirable, and it’s there for Arteta to utilise, which he can do swimmingly against Brentford on Thursday night.
If you had one message for Mikel Arteta ahead of facing Brentford, what would it be?
Gabriel Jesus can solve Arsenal’s Kai Havertz absence against Brentford
Though Havertz has been a striker for the majority of his Arsenal career, upon returning from injury, he’s been utilised in attacking midfield.
It’s why Eberechi Eze will be key against Brentford, but he’s not the only one.
Viktor Gyokeres was impressive against Sunderland, which should restore his position in the starting XI, but he’s not necessarily Arsenal’s answer to bolstering the attack without Havertz.
The Swede’s recent form saw him be crowned Arsenal’s Player of the Month, but against Brentford, the emphasis should be on Gabriel Jesus.
Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino’s fitness is a worry, but above anything else is the need for three points.
Arsenal need to win by any means necessary, and Jesus is the answer to that for one reason.
In his Premier League career, Jesus has never lost a Premier League match in which he’s scored.
It just so happens that the Brazilian has found a lot of joy against Brentford, having never even dropped points to the Bees in six appearances.
Since joining Arsenal, Jesus has scored twice against Brentford, and by his record, if he finds the net on Thursday night, there’s a good chance the Gunners will emerge victorious.
Starting Viktor Gyokeres and calling Gabriel Jesus from the bench is key against Brentford
Jesus’ record against Brentford, and in the Premier League, is impressive, but he shouldn’t start at the Gtech.
That might seem counterproductive, given the information we’ve just provided; however, there’s a hidden recipe for success by doing so.
Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal, underappreciated or underwhelming?
Arsenal’s win rate when Gyokeres starts for the Gunners is better than when the Swede is benched, so essentially, he must start.
Jesus, however, is more malleable; he’s an impact player, a finisher, as Arteta loves to say, and his Premier League scoring record is not exclusive to starting.
An injection of energy and inspiration from Jesus off the bench could be the winning formula for Arsenal, lowering the significance of Havertz’s absence.
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