After just one year, key figures of Arsenal’s 2022/23 campaign such as Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have lost their starting positions due to a lack of adaptability. In the summer transfer window of 2022, manager Mikel Arteta was thrilled when two former Manchester City players, Jesus and Zinchenko, agreed to reunite with him in North London. The duo, in their first season donning the Gunners’ jersey, helped the Emirates Stadium side return to the Champions League after a 6-year absence, as well as leading the Premier League table for 248 days.

There was a time when Zinchenko and Jesus were irreplaceable figures, catalysts for progression and spiritual leaders in a youthful Arsenal squad. However, the signings that Arteta brought to the Emirates in the summer of 2023 truly threatened the positions of these two stars in the starting lineup. This season, the Spanish manager primarily placed his trust in names such as David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz. For the remaining three positions, the 42-year-old tactician opened up competition, where neither Zinchenko nor Jesus felt secure.

Both Jesus (striker) and Zinchenko no longer enjoy absolute trust from Arteta.

In the early stages of the 2022/23 season, Arteta asserted that Jesus’ presence in the attacking line “completely changes Arsenal’s destiny” while having Zinchenko on the left flank helped him perfect his tactical intentions after years of effort in North London. In reality, at some other clubs, the caliber of Jesus and Zinchenko would secure them a solid starting position, so the fact that both had to fight to regain Arteta’s trust indicates Arsenal’s rapid development.

Injuries were one of the major reasons why these two former Man City players fell behind, simultaneously opening up opportunities for other players to catch up. Jesus has only started in 47 out of 94 games for the Gunners since his debut in the summer of 2022, while Zinchenko’s figure stands at 52. This season, the Brazilian star suffered from three different injuries, keeping the 27-year-old away from the pitch for over three months.

The decision to bench these two players, who were once crucial in the starting lineup against Aston Villa last weekend, could once again push Arteta to the brink. Of course, the responsibility for the defeat against Unai Emery’s side does not solely lie with Jesus and Zinchenko, but without this duo, Arsenal’s defense would certainly be more solid and their attacks sharper.

From being key pillars, Jesus and Zinchenko have now become weak points in the Arsenal lineup. With the North London club facing a grueling schedule ahead, including matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United, it will be extremely dangerous if the 1982-born captain continues to trust Zinchenko on the left flank or Jesus as the top striker.

The draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League highlighted the stark differences within Arsenal, particularly in ball control whenever Zinchenko started instead of Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu. However, Zinchenko’s poor defensive abilities made Arsenal bitter against Villa, exemplified when the 27-year-old player, once confident enough to attempt to dribble past two Villa players, lost control, giving Youri Tielemans the opportunity to unleash a powerful shot that hit the crossbar of Raya’s goal.

Zinchenko truly shines whenever he has the ball at his feet, but conversely, the 1996-born defender becomes the weakest link in the Gunners’ defensive system.

However, over the past few years, not only Jesus and Zinchenko have been victims of the rapid development at the Emirates.

Arteta was willing to push the number one goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who had been the starting goalkeeper for four consecutive years, onto the bench after just three matches to make room for Ramsdale. Ramsdale then played two consecutive seasons very steadily before becoming a backup for newcomer Raya this season.

Kieran Tierney was once considered by Arteta as the future leader of the team after impressive performances in the 2021/22 season, but after just one summer, the Scottish star quickly became surplus to requirements, witnessing Zinchenko’s dominance on the left flank.

The duo Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey faced similar situations. Both were once expected to be effective options for Arteta in midfield, but continuous injuries have left the futures of these two players uncertain.

Arteta is willing to be “ruthless” with the titans to help Arsenal progress.

The upcoming summer transfer window of 2024 is expected to be very busy for the home team, especially in terms of outgoings.

Cedric Soares, Mohamed Elneny, and Jorginho will all see their contracts expire, while Partey has only 12 months left on his deal. Tierney, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Marquinhos will return from loan spells, but they are likely to depart along with Ramsdale, Fabio Vieira, Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah.

Even Tomiyasu, who has recently extended his contract with Arsenal due to his versatility in defense, has only been offered an additional 2-year extension. If the Japanese star fails to develop his ball-playing abilities, he will also be immediately released.

Arteta still has a long journey ahead to build a squad rich in fighting spirit like Man City. If the Emirates side fails to secure any trophies in the next two months, the Spanish manager will undoubtedly continue to ruthlessly overhaul the personnel.