‘Absolutely yes’ – Alan Shearer tells Mikel Arteta to drop Arsenal star for Man Utd clash

Alan Shearer has urged Mikel Arteta to start Gabriel Jesus up front ahead of Viktor Gyokeres when Arsenal take on Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.

Jesus led the line as the Gunners sealed a 3-1 win over Inter in the Champions League, maintaining their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.

The Brazil international returned from a long-term knee injury in December and has been an increasingly bright spark off the bench.

Two goals at San Siro on Tuesday night underlined his return to form with Arteta now blessed with options up top.

Gyokeres, a £64million summer signing, was also on the scoresheet last night, scoring his side’s third with a well-taken effort from the edge of the box to wrap up the victory.

The Sweden international has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, scoring just five top flight goals with just one from open play in his last 16 league appearances.

While his finish against Inter was another step in the right direction after an important goal against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last week, Premier League legend Shearer believes he must make way for Jesus when United come to town on Sunday.

Asked if Jesus will start over Gyokeres against United, Shearer said on Amazon Prime: ‘Well, the simple answer is yes. When you score two goals and your club have desperately needed that in a tough environment.

‘He’s come up with two really, really clever finishes and the answer is absolutely yes (that Jesus should start over Gyokeres).

‘It’s what you’re brought into do – to make a difference, to score goals and he’s done that.’

Jesus was making just his third start since returning from injury and has now contributed three goals and one assist.

With Arsenal fighting on four fronts, Arteta believes he has the different options required to maintain their standards as the season progresses.

‘We have been missing Gabi a lot,’ Arteta said. ‘I think it is going to raise his confidence levels and the team’s because we now have different profiles in that position, like we have with the wingers and in other positions.

‘And the fact the players are playing at that level. Viktor [Gyokeres] comes in and makes a great impact in the game – and it only makes us better.’