Arsenal fans think they know exactly what’s going to happen after their win over Crystal Palace with some fans already calling out Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal booked their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals following their come-from-behind victory over Palace on Wednesday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring at the Emirates as the Gunners replied with three unanswered goals in the second-half.
Gabriel Jesus bagged a stunning hat-trick to inspire his side to victory, with Arsenal old boy Eddie Nketiah grabbing a late consolation.
Despite the cup win, Arsenal fans turned on one of their players.
With Jesus returning to the score-sheet and seemingly finding his groove, Arsenal fans are convinced Arteta will employ the Brazilian up front for this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Palace.
In doing so, supporters reckon Kai Havertz, who has been playing as a forward this season, will drop to the left side of midfield.
But the prospect of Jesus in a No.9 position garnered mixed reaction on social media.
One X user wrote: “Kai Havertz at the tip of the diamond is looking like a decent idea again.”
A second tweeted: “He should put Jesus LW. That’s the problem area.”
A third added: “Probably this weekend.. I am tired already.”
A fourth argued: “With how Merino has played, I don’t think it’s that bad of an idea now.”
Another said: “Did it against Villa (H) last szn and we lost the league.”
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring a goal against Crystal Palace. Image: Getty
Speaking after the game, Arteta praised Jesus and hailed his sharpness in front of goal.
“I’m so pleased for him [Jesus]. It’s been a long period for him without goals and today, to score three goals, the three types of goals that he scored – and the many actions he was involved in – he looked very sharp,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think it’s a great thing for him and the team that we can rely on a player of such quality. It’s the same with Kieran [Tierney] and other players who haven’t started many games and today they had the chance to do so.
“He has a quality, a way of creating and innovating situations that is quite unique. So Gabi at that level is a big asset for us.
“It’s now about consistency. Now this is a moment of spark that will bring so much confidence, not only to him, but to the team as well that we can rely on him to change games.
“Now we need to take it and give him more games and chances. We need to give him more chances because when a player is in that moment it’s important to continue that.”