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MARTIN KEOWN TALKS TACTICS: Arsenal had an incredible start to the season but now have to do it without the inspirational Gabriel Jesus... it's Eddie Nketiah's time to shine and prove he's good enough to be the Brazilian's understudy Gabriel Jesus is expected to miss three months with a knee injury he suffered The Brazilian has been so important in Arsenal's exceptional start to the season It is now time for Eddie Nketiah to step up for the Gunners and fill Jesus's void A win against West Ham would be the perfect response for Mikel Arteta's side

By Martin Keown for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:30 GMT, 25 December 2022 | Updated: 00:49 GMT, 26 December 2022

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Arsenal had an incredible start to the season and it's important that they pick up from where they left off, but they'll have to do it without the inspirational Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus has not scored in his last 11 games in all competitions for Arsenal. But he's more than just a goalscorer. Of all the Premier League's Big Six clubs, no one has generated more shots after winning the ball high up the pitch than Arsenal. Jesus is a big part of that.

When I was a young player, Ian Rush seemed to be Liverpool's best defender, the way he hunted down the ball and never gave us a moment's rest. Jesus is in the same mould as Rush.

Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus is set to be out injured for three months after suffering a knee injury

This example is from Arsenal's 1-0 win at Chelsea before the World Cup break. Thiago Silva has the ball and Jesus has shaped his run to block his passing route to his fellow centre back or goalkeeper. Jesus charges down Silva, wins possession, and forces Edouard Mendy into a save.

From the subsequent corner, Arsenal score the game's only goal. Jesus is a proven winner, a driving force, a pressing trigger. He brings energy, tracks back, pops up here, there, everywhere.

Now he's on the treatment table after knee surgery. Arsenal will turn to Eddie Nketiah in the meantime.

Manager Mikel Arteta has shown great faith in Nketiah by handing the youngster a new