Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton on the 20th of this month is shaping up to be a crucial test for Mikel Arteta’s side as they continue to push for consistency and momentum.
With the season entering a demanding phase, team selection will be under the spotlight, and one of the biggest talking points is the role of Gabriel Jesus. For many Arsenal supporters, this fixture feels like the perfect opportunity for Jesus to start as the central striker.
Arteta is unlikely to make wholesale changes, but there is a strong case for restoring balance and fluidity in attack. Starting Gabriel Jesus through the middle offers Arsenal something different: intelligent movement, relentless pressing, and the ability to link play between midfield and the wide forwards. Against a disciplined Everton back line, Jesus’ knack for drifting into pockets and dragging defenders out of position could be decisive.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli would benefit greatly from Jesus’ presence as a striker. His selfless runs often create space for wingers to attack the box, while his quick combinations around the penalty area suit Arsenal’s positional play. Even when he is not scoring, Jesus influences the game by unsettling defenders and forcing errors high up the pitch.
Everton are expected to approach the game with physicality and structure, sitting compact and looking to exploit set pieces and transitions. This makes Arsenal’s striker choice even more important. A mobile forward like Jesus, who can drop deep and pull centre-backs out, could disrupt Everton’s shape far more effectively than a static option.
In midfield, Declan Rice’s role will be key in controlling Everton’s counter-attacks, while Ødegaard’s creativity will be vital in unlocking a stubborn defense. Defensively, Saliba and Gabriel will need to stay alert to Calvert-Lewin’s aerial threat.
Ultimately, this fixture feels tailor-made for Gabriel Jesus to start as Arsenal’s striker. His energy, experience, and tactical intelligence could give the Gunners the edge they need to secure an important victory against a tough Everton side.
Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli