Arsenal are gearing up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December 21 – the same opponents they defeated 3-2 to advance to the EFL Cup semi-finals a few days back. Gabriel Jesus was the Gunners’ hero in that match, roaring back into form with a hat-trick which had three lovely finishes.
Mikel Arteta has now been handed a fresh headache, albeit positive, about whom to pick as his starting striker as his team gears up for a visit to Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz has been the primary choice for most of the games in the PL, while Jesus has been handed starts in the Champions League and EFL Cup.
The German has been in fine form for the Gunners this season, netting 10 goals and providing three assists in 23 appearances across competitions. In games in which he does not score or assist, Havertz is still heavily involved as his work rate is unmatched in the team. His desire to win duels, occupy defenders and also to make decoy runs helps his teammates find and create space.
The question is, which of Jesus or Havertz should start against Crystal Palace?
A tactical comparison between Jesus and Havertz
While Havertz offers a focal point for crosses and long balls, the German rarely makes runs in behind defenders or takes his markers on by dribbling. His style allows more for the ball to come to him, rather than the other way around, which allows teammates to use him for wall passes as well.
He also drops deep in a false nine position often, which allows Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to push forward and cut in centrally to attempt shots.
Jesus, on the other hand, creates space and dribbles the ball with confidence, but often drifts out to the left or the right side. Playing against Crystal Palace’s back three, this will allow them to push Arsenal into a corner to thwart their progress. While it worked to have him start at the bigger Emirates Stadium pitch, it would be a detrimental move at a slightly smaller Selhurst Park.
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Palace will be able to keep the central areas compact, making the most of Jesus’ tendency to drift. Additionally, with Bukayo Saka back in the fray for this one, Havertz’s presence on corners is also crucial, as he is the secondary aerial threat after Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saka and Havertz also have a very good chemistry on the pitch, with the pair combining for 11 goals in 67 appearances together for the Gunners. Hence, picking the German would be the wiser option.
