Mikel Arteta expressed his happiness for Viktor Gyökeres after the player scored the decisive goal in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory against Everton. This win comes as Arsenal gears up for a crucial Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash against Crystal Palace, where Arteta hinted at the potential for Gabriel Jesus to make his first start in nearly a year.
The upcoming match at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday is significant for Arteta, who is eager to secure his first trophy as Arsenal’s manager—a wait that has stretched nearly six years. Jesus, who enjoyed a successful stint last season against Palace, scoring a hat trick in their last encounter, has returned to the squad after an 11-month recovery from a serious knee injury.
Following three substitute appearances in recent matches against Club Brugge, Wolverhampton, and Everton, Arteta noted that Jesus has shown readiness to step back into a starting role. “You can see now, not only in games but every day in training how much he wants it, so he’s going to deserve a chance soon,” Arteta said, highlighting the forward’s strong desire and improved training performances.
However, Gyökeres, who netted the penalty against Everton, has struggled to score from open play in his last six outings, which could lead to opportunities for Jesus to reclaim a starting position.
Declan Rice continues to impress in midfield, earning praise from Wayne Rooney, who referred to him as a natural successor to Harry Kane as England captain. Rooney noted Rice’s stellar performance against Everton, commending his decision-making and presence on the pitch. “He’s the future captain of England,” Rooney stated, indicating that Rice’s talent and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
As Arsenal prepares for a challenging schedule with six matches in just 20 days, the team’s depth and resilience will be vital. Arteta remains optimistic, focusing on harnessing the collective spirit of his players to push for success in this pivotal period.