Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s big decision on Viktor Gyokeres for Liverpool showdown

The decisive blow in the Premier League title race is still far away, but Arsenal have momentum on their side.

Mikel Arteta’s side have had to move and weave and even cover on the ropes at times over the festive period.

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They still managed their fair share of clean shots and the end result was three wins against Brighton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth and seven points more than they collected in those matches last season.

As Manchester City stumble into the new year, Arsenal now sit six points clear at the top of the table.

Aside from a frantic second-half performance against Villa, the Gunners haven’t been particularly at their best for prolonged periods.

This could be seen as an indicator that Arsenal are champions in waiting, picking up points during a turbulent period and not needing to be firing on all cylinders to do so.

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On the other side of the coin, where perhaps the most anxious Arsenal supporters reside with their desperate hope of ending the long title wait, is the argument that the Gunners need to be more dominant.

This brings us to Arsenal’s attack and the striker debate that is far from resolved, even with a strong run of results.

Viktor Gyokeres has started the last five Premier League matches and his only proof is a penalty against Everton. It’s his only goal in nine appearances since the start of November.

Kai Havertz is now back in shape and will soon compete for a few minutes. There’s every chance that when he’s fully up to speed, the German will be Arsenal’s front man.

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However, the argument for more immediate change becomes more compelling with each passing game. Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday and Gabriel Jesus deserves his chance to start.

Jesus has come off the bench to replace Gyokeres in the last five matches and in each appearance he has looked more dangerous than the Swede.

During these matches, Gyokeres started 360 minutes and had a total of 78 touches of the ball. In just 90 minutes on the pitch, Jesus scored 67 and scored as many goals.

This difference in keys is not necessarily surprising, even if it is striking. Jesus naturally floats on the pitch and combines with his teammates, while Gyokeres stays on the pitch on the central defenders.

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Gyokeres did it well for Arsenal’s second goal against Bournemouth on Saturday, occupying four defenders as he tried to sneak in, allowing Declan Rice to finish.

However, while the number of touches may not be a major concern, Gyokeres needs to contribute more to Arsenal’s overall game.

He was unconvincing in keeping the ball and for a striker who doesn’t drop deep and plays wide in the width of the box, he is too rarely in the right position for crosses. Arsenal need more than just an occupant from a £64m striker.

This team looks much more fluid and comfortable with Jesus up front, just like it did when Mikel Merino replaced him.

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Over time, there is every chance that Arsenal will adapt to Gyokeres, playing in a more direct and vertical style. This could help bring out some of the form he displayed in Portugal, but at the moment the problem seems more to be Arsenal’s than Arsenal’s.

There is no indication that Gyokeres will suddenly come to life and become essential.

He was touted as an immediate solution to any striker problems, the ideal man to propel Arsenal to the title. It was probably unfair and the injuries to Havertz and Jesus left him with a big burden to take on in a new team and a new league.

Gyokeres would be better seen as a rotation option, used in games that fit his profile, rather than a guaranteed starter every game, as Mikel Arteta has tried to whip him into shape in recent weeks.

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Arsenal are hot favorites in the Premier League and a win against Liverpool on Thursday would be another step towards kicking off, especially with City’s trip to Old Trafford on the horizon.

Gyokeres needs time to succeed, but as the title race heats up, Arsenal have less and less of it. Jesus’ arrival in the squad appears to be a decision to be made here and now, starting with the visit of Liverpool.