Gabriel Jesus visited the Arsenal dressing room last night to console his team-mates after this defeat to Manchester City.
Despite being out injured since the World Cup with a knee injury, Jesus has stayed close to the squad and offered support in his role as vice-captain.
But how Arteta will have wished he could have had the Brazilian on the pitch last night.
This was a chastening night for Arsenal as they surrendered top spot in the Premier League and their woes in front of goal summed it up. Striker Eddie Nketiah missed two glorious headed chances in either half, while at the other end Erling Haaland made no mistake with his one opportunity to secure a 3-1 win for City.
Nketiah has performed admirably for Arsenal since being tasked with leading the line after Jesus injured his knee playing for Brazil at the World Cup, but his form has dipped in recent weeks and his four matches without a goal have coincided with Arsenal failing to win a game in that time.
The 23-year-old’s all-round game has come on leaps in bounds this season, but his main currency remains goals. When they dry up, it is hard not to feel the absence of Jesus.
A returning Jesus feels like the spark Arsenal need to ignite their title bid back into life. The Brazilian is not a great goalscorer, however his ability to link the play and open up defences is vital.
Jesus drifts across the forward line and his movement allows others to flourish. Gabriel Martinelli, who enjoys a close relationship with Jesus off the field, is one of those suffering in his absence and he has not scored a goal since New Year’s Eve.
Arsenal are wary about rushing Jesus back after knee surgery, but he has made good progress this week. The striker has been out back on the grass at the club’s training ground, doing some individual work with the ball, having previously been working indoors, undergoing sessions with fitness coaches to strengthen the muscles around his knee.
It is a testament to Jesus that his absence was felt more keenly than Thomas Partey last night, who also missed out through injury. The midfielder felt discomfort in his back yesterday and Arsenal made a very late call to pull him out.
Jorginho was handed a first start at his new club and he impressed during the opening 45 minutes when Arsenal dominated possession, but the Italian, like his team-mates, faded in the second half to take a small shine off an otherwise fine performance.
Arsenal are wobbling for the first time this season and they cannot let the slide continue.
