Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal return is welcome but coping without him shows how far they’ve come
Arsenal were already 3-0 up when, in the 77th minute, Gabriel Jesus came on to a rapturous reception from the travelling away fans. Sunday’s match at Craven Cottage made it 13 league matches started without Jesus — almost as many as they had with him — and yet Arsenal are still five points clear. The first 14 games of the season, in which Jesus played, saw Arsenal win possession in the final third 76 times — 5.4 times per game. Jesus came on in the 77th minute and looked lively Between Christmas and the Fulham match, Arsenal have regained possession in the final third 86 times — 6.6 times per game. It brought back memories of Arsenal’s visit to this stadium in 2018, when a 5-1 demolition of the home team saw the away fans gleefully singing “We’ve got our Arsenal back”.
Discover Related
Declan Rice curls in two brilliant free-kicks as Arsenal thrash Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final first leg
UEFA Champions League 2024-25: “Speechless” Declan Rice happy that freekick gamble paid off
Atletico's season falling apart after consecutive losses to Real Madrid and Barcelona
Soccer-Arteta hails stand-in striker Merino for another match-winning goal
Mikel Merino's Header Inspires Arsenal To 'London Derby' Win: WATCH
Premier League: Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to keep title hopes alive
Arsenal brace for tough match vs. improving Chelsea
Arsenal ‘deserve’ to feel pain as West Ham deal huge title race blow
Arsenal close gap on leaders Liverpool, Marmoush treble lifts Man City
Premier League 2024-25: Arteta sees striker instinct in match-winner Merino
Havertz hits Arsenal’s Premier League hopes as knee surgery ends season