Arsenal supporters got a glimpse into a potential new strike partnership for next season during Friday's friendly win over FC Nurnberg.
Trailing by two goals at half-time, despite it being a friendly and the result not of great importance, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta rolled the dice for the second half as he switched to a back three from a back four which included Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Martinelli - natural wingers - operating as wing-backs.
The change in the system was beneficial for many reasons as Arsenal carried much more of an attacking threat and that was largely down to the introduction of £45m summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who instead of replacing Eddie Nketiah as the lone striker, joined the Hale End graduate as part of a front two.
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After all, with the Brazilian already explaining that whilst he plays to operate through the middle, his versatility means he and Nketiah can play in the same side when needed: "I'm a number nine!" he said earlier in the week. "I'm a striker and I thank God every day that I can be alive, and that I can play in three of four different positions but I think my position is nine."
When the competitive action gets underway next month it remains to be seen how often Arteta turns to this exciting new Arsenal attack after teasing it for 45 minutes on Friday afternoon. But the Spaniard has already revealed that what he does in pre-season is a sign for what's to come in the future.
"That's why I played them because we want to try in pre-season things that we want to do in the season," he told reporters. "We are going to have a lot of games, a lot of moments where we need to play in different ways and that’s great because they are both in top form."
With that said, the good news is that early signs suggest a Gabriel Jesus-Eddie Nketiah strike partnership will be a useful trick for Arteta to have up his sleeve once next season gets underway as they should benefit from the creativity from the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
In truth, Nketiah was rather quiet in the first-half against FC Nurnberg. Although, he certainly sprung to life after the break and he combined very well with Gabriel Jesus at times. It was his pass for Arsenal's new no.9 which reduced the deficit seconds after the restart and he was involved in two further goals without getting on the scoresheet himself.
Whilst most of the praise has fallen at the feet of the Brazilian for netting twice on his first appearance for the club following his arrival from Manchester City, he was quick to transfer most of it to his new teammate as he took to social media and uploaded a picture of the pair celebrating.
To which Nketiah responded with a simple two-word message that read "Link up" with the handshake and telephone emoji. Of course, the latter is a direct reference to a celebration that both players share after finding the back of the net with Gabriel Jesus hinting at a joint one in the future.
"Not yet but for sure we will do it," the Brazilian told the club's media when asked if he had spoken to Nketiah about a special celebration together. "Because, you know, I saw he celebrates like me, so I’m happy to celebrate like him as well."
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