Arsenal are just two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but Mikel Arteta has a new tactic that could help them pull clear in coming weeks
11:44, 13 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta has a new tactic up his sleeve(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal could start fielding Viktor Gyokeres alongside Gabriel Jesus in a two-striker formation, according to Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have generally played with one focal point up front under Arteta’s management, but the return to fitness of Jesus has given them greater options.
The Brazilian striker had been sidelined for 11 months with a serious knee injury but made his return as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday. Arsenal have been hampered by injuries right across their squad this season, with midfielder Mikel Merino forced to fill in as a striker regularly.
Although Kai Havertz remains unavailable, Arteta now has the option of playing summer signing Gyokeres with Jesus. That could mean a tweak to his favoured 4-3-3 formation, or with Jesus playing off a flank.
“That would be very strong and both players probably like to play a little bit shifted to the left side and can interchange in that position, which is something we have not had yet,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s game against Wolves in the Premier League.
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“And that would put an extra body closer to the box in central positions so it is something we can work on. We must make sure we keep them fit to have many options.
“I think we have very strong personnel. That position is how we field them together at the same time, which is very difficult in terms of the context of the game, but I am very happy with the players we have. So far, of six months of the competition, we have not had more than two of them at the same time. Hopefully we will be in that position.”
Some concerns have been raised about Jesus, given his lengthy spell on the sidelines, but Arteta is confident he can contribute as Arsenal chase the Premier League title. “No, I don’t consider that, especially with the situation that we have right now,” he said on Friday when asked whether they might consider selling Jesus in January.
Gabriel Jesus is back in contention for Arsenal(Image: PA)
“I think Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he’s proven that straight away in the first minute that he was available to play. He’s put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us.”
The Arsenal boss also suggested that Jesus could pressure Gyokeres for the position of first-choice striker. “A player of his quality, a player that has given us so much,” he said when asked about the possibility.
“He comes with the energy that he came the other day. He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that. That’s for sure.”
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