Gabriel Jesus reveals the real reason why Arsenal lost the Premier League title

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has made a bold statement about the moment his team lost the league title last season. According to him, it was when their star defender William Saliba got injured. In an interview with a Brazilian outlet, Jesus expressed his belief that Saliba’s absence had a significant impact on the team’s defensive performance.

“When he (Saliba) plays, we concede few goals, when he doesn’t play, the number (goals conceded) increases.” said Gabriel Jesus as per a Brazilian outlet.

Saliba, who started 27 league games for Arsenal last season, was considered one of Mikel Arteta’s best players before his unfortunate injury in the final months of the campaign. The young defender had been instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenge, helping them maintain a solid defensive record.

Arsenal had been locked in a fierce battle with Manchester City for the 2022/23 Premier League title. However, their hopes were dashed when they suffered a defeat against Nottingham Forest in the 37th game week. This loss ultimately saw them lose out on the trophy to Manchester City, who finished the season as champions with 89 points.

Despite leading the league table for an impressive 10 months during the season, Arsenal had to settle for second place with 84 points. The disappointment of falling short after such a strong campaign was evident among players and fans alike.

Jesus pointed out that while Eddie had replaced him well during his own injury spell and Leo Trossard had been signed to maintain their attacking prowess, it was Saliba’s absence that proved to be most detrimental. He emphasized that when Saliba played, Arsenal conceded fewer goals compared to when he was absent.

The statistics back up Jesus’ claim. With Saliba in defense, Arsenal boasted a solid defensive record and were able to keep opposition attacks at bay more effectively. His absence disrupted their defensive stability and resulted in an increase in goals conceded.

Saliba’s injury not only affected Arsenal’s title challenge but also highlighted his importance within Arteta’s system. His ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and organize the defense made him a key figure in Arsenal’s backline.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: William Saliba of Arsenal heads the ball away Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 25, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

As the new season approaches, Arsenal will be hoping for Saliba’s swift recovery and return to full fitness. His presence will undoubtedly bolster their defensive capabilities and provide them with a solid foundation to mount another title challenge.

While Jesus’ statement may be seen as controversial by some, it sheds light on the impact that individual players can have on a team’s performance. Injuries to key players can disrupt the balance and rhythm of a team, ultimately affecting their chances of success.

As Arsenal looks ahead to the upcoming season, they will need to ensure they have adequate cover and depth in defense to mitigate the impact of potential injuries. Building a strong squad that can withstand such setbacks will be crucial if they are to mount another title challenge and reclaim their status as champions of English football.