Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards believes that the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko could play a major role for Arsenal as they look to secure a Champions League place this season.
The Gunners brought in the duo from Manchester City this summer. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta coached both players when he was at City.
Both Jesus and Zinchenko are multiple-time Premier League winners. Jesus scored eight goals and provided eight assists in league competition last season. Zinchenko, meanwhile, made 15 appearances, assisting on four occasions. He primarily played at left-back under Pep Guardiola, although he can also play in midfield.
Jesus’ versatility is also a key factor. He often operated in a right-sided forward role for City, but will likely transition into becoming the starting centre forward for Arteta’s side this term. The Brazil international has already set the ground running at his new club. In pre-season, he smashed in just seven goals in five games.
With Arsenal taking on Crystal Palace in the Premier League season opener today, Jesus will want to continue that form, and help the Gunners go one better than their fifth-place finish last season.
Micah Richards on Arsenal signings
Sporf spoke to Richards as part of a Sky Sports media day to launch the Premier League season, to get his thoughts on the season ahead.
One of the main topics was Jesus and Zinchenko – two players the former City right-back knows very well.
He explained: “I think it’s important for any team [to have PL winners]. But for Arsenal, obviously with losing Aubameyang and Lacazette, two top strikers. I know Lacazette didn’t score the goals we all thought he would, but he worked so hard for the team.
“When you bring in Premier League experience, it just gives you confidence. I remember when I was at City, and Patrick Vieira walked through the door. You’ve just got something different. They know how to win.
“Arsenal aren’t going to win the league, let’s be honest here. But to get over the line to go from Europa League to Champions League, and just be competitive, having that experience is massive. But they need to keep moving forward. I know they’ve spent a lot of money over the last couple of seasons, but they can’t rest on their laurels now.
“They need to say, ‘We’ve got Jesus and Zinchenko, two quality players, title winners. But where can we go next?’ That’s what they need to do – keep evolving.”
On Jesus in particular, Richards said: “I think it was important for him [to move to Arsenal] for sure. I mean, at the end of last season, he did really well in that number nine role, didn’t he? He was exceptional. But you just know with Man City, they can come and go, because of the quality of the squad. So I think it was important for him.
“I just think for him personally, he couldn’t ask for a better move. In terms of looking at the Arsenal squad, with Odegaard, Saka, Smith Rowe, Jesus, Martinelli. It might not be right now, but if you look two, three years down the line, if you keep that core group together – Gabriel and Ben White at the back, Zinchenko coming in – they’re starting to build something nice.
“I think Jesus will be the man to take them to the next level. I think it will suit him really well.”
Arsenal start the season with a win
The Gunners got their season off to the best possible start with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before a Bukayo Saka-inspired own goal gave the visitors breathing space. The two new former recruits from City impressed, with Jesus causing trouble up front and Zinchenko getting an assist for the opener.
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