If Bukayo Saka is not fit enough to start against Manchester City, and Noni Madueke is available, I still believe Mikel Arteta should go with Gabriel Jesus on the right wing. This is not the kind of match where you gamble on who might grow into the game later. This is the biggest game of the season, the kind of night where every run matters, every duel matters, and one small decision can shape everything. In a game of that size, I would rather trust a player who understands pressure, works for the team, and knows how to turn half a chance into something decisive.
For me, Gabriel Jesus offers more balance in a match like this. He is sharp on the ball, intelligent with his movement, and more reliable when the team is forced to defend without it. Against Manchester City, you do not just need flair out wide. You need discipline, awareness, and a winger who will stay switched on when the other side starts pushing. Jesus gives you that. He can help the full-back, press with intensity, and still carry a threat going forward. That kind of all-round contribution can be the difference in a tense game.
Madueke has qualities, no doubt, but this fixture demands more than moments. It demands consistency in both attack and defensive work. We have already seen games where tracking back has not been his strongest point, and against a side like City, that weakness can be punished fast. If O’Reilly is one of their form players and looking to make an impact in that area, Arsenal cannot afford to leave spaces open or make life easier for him. Jesus is the type of player who would keep him thinking twice, because he does not only attack you, he also fights for every ball and stays involved in the defensive side of the game.
That is why I feel Arteta should give Gabriel Jesus the nod if Saka is unavailable. This is not about choosing the more exciting option on paper. It is about choosing the player who suits the occasion better. In a match where Arsenal may only get a few big openings, I would rather have someone trusted to take one of them and still give everything off the ball. For me, Jesus on the right makes more sense for this game. What do you think?