It’s been an almost perfect start to the new Premier League season for Arsenal. After 14 games of the 2022/23 campaign, the Gunners had dropped just four points as they established a lead at the top of the table.
As domestic teams around Europe prepared to regroup following the World Cup, the North London side were looking to build on that positive opening. However, an injury to their main striker threatens to derail Arsenal’s progress.
Jesus Facing Spell on the Sidelines
Signed from Manchester City in the summer, Gabriel Jesus made a positive start to his Arsenal career. He may have failed to find the net on his full debut but, in his second game against Leicester City, the Brazilian scored twice and provided two assists in a 4-2 win.
Further goals followed, but he did suffer a barren spell in the build up to the World Cup. As Jesus headed to Qatar, he had scored five goals in 20 games across all competitions.
Arsenal fans would have hoped that goals in the major tournament would have boosted their striker’s confidence. Instead, Jesus returned prematurely and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury that subsequently required surgery. No firm date has been set for his return, but will this setback affect Arsenal’s chances in the Premier League title race?
Arsenal Assessed
Despite opening up a five-point gap over Manchester City, Arsenal remain second favourites to win the Premier League title at the end of this season. Defending champions City are the odds on favourites, while the Gunners lead a chasing pack that includes Liverpool and Chelsea.
Odds for all English Premier League markets are supplied by online betting sites linking to SBO.net and they will continue to be monitored throughout the season. Updates will be provided on the back of each matchday and readers can also take in news stories and opinion articles.
Those looking to stake can also register with a sportsbook. Each of the betting operators affiliated with SBO will be able to take on eligible new customers. Many will also publish generous welcome packages, while a range of funding providers can help with adding initial deposits.
Moving forward, customer service should be fast and friendly, while additional benefits can include ongoing sports, live markets and a mobile app. In short, it’s a logical site to follow for all kinds of football betting, but can Arsenal defy the odds and home in on the EPL title?
Can Arsenal Cope?
Arsenal fans have to remember that their side has continued to win games, despite Gabriel Jesus suffering a lengthy goal drought. That’s a positive sign and it suggests that the team can cope while the Brazilian works his way back to fitness.
In his absence, scoring responsibilities have been shared around the squad. Arsenal’s list of leading scorers in the league shows Martin Odegaard at the top with six strikes. Along with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have also netted five times, while Granit Xhaka has contributed four goals.
The Gunners certainly haven’t been short of goals and their total of 33 from 14 EPL games is second only to Manchester City. If the team continues to take collective responsibility, they can maintain their position at the top, until it’s time for Gabriel Jesus to return.
Arsenal also have the option of going back into the transfer market. The winter window opens in January and the Gunners have been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Ukrainian international Mykhailo Mudryk. The 21-year-old is a winger who provides useful goals, but he wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Jesus.
Elsewhere, it’s reported that AS Roma may be willing to sell England international striker Tammy Abraham in January. After a productive first season in Serie A, the former Chelsea forward has been quiet this term, and his employers may be looking to move him on.
While Gabriel Jesus is expected to return before the end of the season, Arsenal are lacking depth in the striking department. A new arrival may be seen as a temporary stop gap, but it could be a sound investment moving forward.
Whatever happens, Arsenal need to consider their approach carefully as their main striker faces up to an extended absence.
