MARTIN KEOWN: Arsenal had an incredible start but now have to do it without Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal had an incredible start to the season and it is important that they pick up where they left off, but they will have to do so without the inspirational Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus has not scored in his last 11 games in all competitions for Arsenal. But he is more than just a scorer. Of all the clubs in the Premier League’s Big Six, none have generated more shots after winning the ball high up the pitch than Arsenal. Jesus is a big part of that.

As a young player Ian Rush seemed to be Liverpool’s best defender, the way he chased the ball and never gave us a moment’s rest. Jesus is in the same mold as Rush.

Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus will be out for three months after picking up a knee injury.

This example is from Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea before the World Cup break. Thiago Silva has the ball and Jesus has shaped his run to block his passing route to his central partner or the goalkeeper. Jesus attacks Silva, gains possession and forces Edouard Mendy to save.

From the next corner, Arsenal scores the only goal of the match. Jesus is a proven winner, a driving force, a pressing trigger. He brings energy, he recedes, he appears here, there, everywhere.

He is now on the treatment table after knee surgery. Arsenal will turn to Eddie Nketiah in the meantime.

Manager Mikel Arteta has shown great faith in Nketiah by giving the youngster a new long-term contract. He now has the opportunity to prove that he is good enough to stand in for Jesus.

Jesus is a key part of Arsenal’s pressing and style, exemplified against Chelsea above.

Jesus has been so crucial to the Gunners’ start to the season. He is a proven winner, a driving force, a pressing trigger. He brings energy, he recedes, he appears here, there, everywhere.

Off the bench, Nketiah has looked much more physical, stronger and more confident. Nketiah would like nothing more than to take over from Jesus and run with him and give Arsenal the results to stay at the top of the table.

Arteta has said he can look into the January transfer window to further strengthen his options, but it is up to Nketiah to prove he has the skill set to keep his club in this Premier League title race.

It’s perfect for Arsenal to restart their campaign at home on Boxing Day. There is a tremendous unity that exists between the players and the fan base.

The time has come for Eddie Nketiah to step up and fill the gaping void created by the absence of Jesus.

Fans, who have been starving for Premier League football, will want to do their part to help Arsenal enjoy a trouble-free return. A London derby against West Ham always presents a challenge.

David Moyes has switched to a back-five system when facing a Premier League Big Six team in the past. Moyes hasn’t won away at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United in 70 tries and will have been working diligently with West Ham’s non-World Cup players over the past few weeks for the purpose of the Boxing Day trip.

It can be a challenge for managers to get their players back into Premier League mode after that tournament in Qatar. After the 1998 World Cup, we couldn’t help but wonder if Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit would return to Arsenal in the same way.

Now they were world champions with France, so they could come back with their noses in the air.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has hinted he may dip into the transfer market to add to his squad

Arsenal fans will be very excited for their return to action against West Ham on Boxing Day.

We needn’t have worried. Vieira and Petit did not want to rest on their laurels. They were ready to work. That’s the mindset coaches will want from all of their returning players.

While Manchester City’s Erling Haaland enjoyed a good holiday, Arsenal suffered one of the biggest casualties of the World Cup in Jesus. It will focus on how they manage without their star striker.

Nothing would be more reassuring than an Arsenal win that would temporarily leave them eight points clear of Premier League title rivals City.