Arsenal are set to take on Liverpool today in a game which will have huge ramifications on their title chances.
A victory will throw Arsenal right back into the picture for the Premier League title. A draw would not be the worst result, but a loss would almost certainly end any chances of winning the competition this season.
Arsenal recovered from their poor December form to record back-to-back victories over Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, and were dominant in both games.
Striker Gabriel Jesus returned to the lineup against Palace after being benched against Fulham and missing the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, and Arsenal’s attack improved.
The 26-year-old has been criticised this season, but has delivered in the last two games, registering a crucial goal and two assists, and was vital against Nottingham Forest.
Whilst Mikel Arteta has hinted that he may have a slight injury problem, if he is to start against Liverpool, he could be ready to make an important impact again.
Gabriel Jesus has his confidence back
Although he has admitted that he is not the most clinical forward, Gabriel Jesus’ goal record over the years for both Arsenal and Manchester City has shown that confidence is key for him in front of goal.
Having missed a big chance at 0-0 against Nottingham Forest, Jesus persevered and eventually found the breakthrough, and looked heavily relieved when celebrating in front of the Arsenal fans.
He switched on for the rest of the game, also assisting Bukayo Saka’s goal, and was the best player on the pitch.
He often scores and assists in patches over the course of the season, that is to say that he goes through dry spells in front of goal, but once he starts scoring, he continues to do so, and his team has never lost when he has netted, in a feat that has been described as “remarkable.”
Gabriel Jesus may have hit scoring patch of form at perfect time
Jesus began his Arsenal career with nine goals and assists in his first eight Premier League games last season, and was at his very best as he was playing with confidence.
He then registered just two assists in his next five before picking up an injury, and again, he went through patches of scoring and blanking. A run of four goals and assists in three games was then countered by one goal in his next six.
In his final season at Man City, he registered four goals and assists in his first two starts of the season, but later a run of five games without any output was met with seven goals and assists in his next four.
His bursts of confidence are level-raising, and when he hits his best form, he develops the clinical edge he has been accused of lacking. With his Forest display nudging him back to form, the Liverpool clash may have come at the perfect time for him to cause danger in the opposition box.
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