4 ways Arsenal can mitigate Gabriel Jesus’ potential prolonged absence

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2. False nine

Emile Smith Rowe will return from injury in the new year. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

A shift to a false nine would halter Arsenal’s dynamics somewhat, but it’s a feasible possibility should Emile Smith Rowe quickly return to full fitness.

He’s such a dynamic runner, while he’s brilliant at picking gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure. By operating with a false nine, Arsenal’s in-behind threat will slightly decrease, although Arsenal’s runners – the two wingers and Granit Xhaka will be instructed to penetrate in behind the space voided centrally. It’ll only subtly change the way Arsenal play, and it’s an intriguing option.

ESR, who’s barely featured this season, could prove to be the Gunners’ x-factor while Jesus is sidelined.

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