Arsenal are set to take on Sunderland in the Premier League
Arsenal are set to take on Sunderland in the Premier League
Arsenal fans have been left feeling displeased with manager Mikel Arteta after he named striker Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI for their game against Sunderland. The Gunners are looking to go nine points clear when they host the Black Cats, who have enjoyed a fine season back in the top-flight.
Arteta has all three of his preferred center-forward options fit and available after they each recovered from injury problems in recent weeks. As a result, the Spaniard has opted to shuffle his pack in the striker position by naming Brazil international Jesus in the line-up.
Gabriel Jesus last started for the Gunners in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United last month, which was his first league start in over a year. Arteta has shown his faith in the former Manchester City man, opting for him to start over Viktor Gyokeres, who scored against Leeds United last weekend.
The Arsenal faithful are not fully in support of their manager's choice of the 28-year-old for the game, and they have made this known through posts on X. One fan was pleased with the XI but pointed out that they would have preferred to have Gyokeres start ahead of Jesus.
Another fan bluntly stated that the Brazilian should not be leading their attack, urging the side to just win.
A fan pointed out that the Brazilian should be taken off if he fails to contribute to a goal in the first half.
Another fan was unhappy with the decision to start Jesus, accusing Arteta of failing to learn from the past.
A fan accused Arteta of starting Jesus only because of their familiarity.
Another fan was disappointed to see Jesus start against a physical Sunderland side.
Another fan shared a similar sentiment, complaining about the striker against a strong side.
Sunderland denied Arsenal a win in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with a dramatic late Brian Brobbey effort earning them a point at home. Gabriel Jesus will have Kai Havertz in close quarters after the German was also included in the XI, and he will hope to add to his two league goals this season.
Arsenal without Saka, Odegaard for Sunderland
Arsenal remain without the influential duo of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for their league meeting with Sunderland. The Gunners are set to miss both of their captains for a second successive game, with the pair having been absent for the visit of Chelsea in midweek.
Saka picked up a hip injury while warming up for the game against Leeds United at Elland Road last weekend, and was replaced in the starting XI by Noni Madueke. The England international missed the game against Chelsea and remains absent from the squad to play against Sunderland.
Odegaard came on as a substitute in the win over Leeds United but was not with the squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea. The Norwegian playmaker remains sidelined for the Gunners, who are also without long-term absentee Mikel Merino.