24 touches, 9 passes, 4/11 duels won: Mikel Arteta must now drop 5/10 Arsenal star for Everton clash – opinion | OneFootball

24 touches, 9 passes, 4/11 duels won: Mikel Arteta must now drop 5/10 Arsenal star for Everton clash – opinion | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Football Today

Football Today

·12 December 2024

24 touches, 9 passes, 4/11 duels won: Mikel Arteta must now drop 5/10 Arsenal star for Everton clash – opinion

Article image:24 touches, 9 passes, 4/11 duels won: Mikel Arteta must now drop 5/10 Arsenal star for Everton clash – opinion

Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 3-0 Champions League triumph over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners had a quiet start to the game with Monaco catching the eye with their high pressing and impressive quick distribution.


OneFootball Videos


However, the London giants managed to gain momentum and they should have scored at least five goals before the half-time interval.

Gabriel Jesus was guilty of missing two one-on-one chances with both efforts failing to beat the goalkeeper.

The Brazilian provided an assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal, but it was followed by Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli spurning big chances too.

Just like Jesus, Odegaard was clear on goal with no defender in his vicinity, but his early shot went just wide of the goalkeeper’s far post.

Arsenal were not at their best in the second half, but were able to secure a 3-0 win in the end.

Kai Havertz’s superb pressing created the error for Saka’s second goal. Saka turned provider for Havertz to make it 3-0 for the Gunners.

The German made an instant impact in his 20 minute cameo and in our view, manager Mikel Arteta has an easy decision to make up front.

Jesus has been lacking form and confidence as the main striker and yesterday was a firm example.

The Brazilian was poor with his finishing and could have had a hat-trick on another day. He received a 5/10 rating from football.london.

Jesus had only 24 touches last night with nine passes and four out of 11 duels won.

The 27-year-old grabbed an assist for Saka’s 34th minute goal, but failed to capitalise and find the back of the net to prove his credentials.

Arteta tried to support Jesus with his productive comments in the pre-match presser, but we simply don’t see him starting against Everton.

Jesus must be dropped by the manager with Havertz being reinstated as the number nine.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

View publisher imprint