Arsenal fans demand Mikel Arteta makes immediate change to starting XI despite ‘statement’ thrashing of Aston Villa

Arsenal thrashed title rival Aston Villa 4-1 on Tuesday in a statement victory.

Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus were all on the scoresheet at the Emirates Stadium.

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It was Jesus’ strike that got Gunners fans talking, though, as it came just seconds after he came on.

The Brazilian replaced Viktor Gyokeres, who managed no shots on target in 77 minutes on the pitch, and 55 seconds later Jesus scored Arsenal’s fourth.

That led to fans instantly calling for the former Manchester City star to start up front in the next game.

One wrote on X: “Gabriel Jesus has to start for Arsenal going forward. What a player. I am happy to see him immediately find form after all his setbacks. Substituted on. Scores.”

Another added: “Viktor Gyokeres should never ever start over Jesus when the latter is fit methinks.”

A third said: “Jesus should start every match, he brings so much more energy and fits the tactics way better than Gyokeres.”

Gabriel Jesus’ return

The 28-year-old has been eased back into the Arsenal team following his anterior cruciate ligament injury.

That was his first goal since his return earlier in December.

Jesus was making his sixth substitute appearance since returning from that serious knee injury.

Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles

The striker has not hit the ground running since his £64million move from Sporting in the summer.

He has five Premier League goals this season, but only one in his last seven games.

Patience with the Sweden international is running thin with those watching his performances.

“Viktor Gyokeres is a dud,” host Jennings said on talkSPORT earlier this month.

“I think that we’ve now seen enough, haven’t we? I think there were question marks before he arrived. I got a lot of stick on this very station before he arrived.

“Gyokeres is basically not the player that Arsenal thought they were signing. He’s not the player that they need him to be.

“That’s not to say that it will be totally detrimental to their ambitions this year. They have a wonderful team.

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“They have a great defence, brilliant attackers, and they can score enough goals with or without Gyokeres.”

Now Mikel Arteta may have a huge problem on his hands with Jesus back to full fitness.

Arsenal’s statement win

Arsenal’s win put them five points clear of second place Man City, ending Aston Villa’s 11-match winning streak.

talkSPORT’s commentator at the Emirates, Sam Matterface, said: “This is a statement win by the champions elect.”

Man City face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day with the chance to close the gap again to five points.