Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has emphasised that his team must first overcome a "tough" challenge against Wolverhampton Wanderers before even contemplating Sunday's crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners travel to Molineux on Wednesday with a chance to stretch their Premier League advantage over rivals Manchester City to a significant seven points, with City not in action until Saturday against Newcastle United.
Focus on Wolves Amidst Title Pursuit
Despite Wolves enduring a dismal season, languishing at the bottom of the table with a mere nine points, Jesus cautioned against any complacency from Mikel Arteta's title-chasing side. "We are not thinking about the derby," Jesus stated firmly. "We are only thinking about Wolves on Wednesday and that is a tough game away. We know the situation they are in but it is an amazing team, an amazing club and we are aware they need points to get out of their situation. So, our focus is to go to Wolves, get the three points and that is it."
Quadruple Ambitions and Squad Depth
Arsenal's confidence is high following a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic on Sunday, with Jesus netting the final goal, securing their place in the fifth round. This result means the Gunners enter March competing on all four fronts, keeping alive the tantalising possibility of an unprecedented quadruple. Jesus, who has scored four times in his last six appearances, reflected on the pressure of being at the top. "Ninety per cent of my career has been at the top with strong squads, the national team, City and here," he said. "It is such a good thing because it keeps you on your toes and to do your best. It is an amazing thing to be involved in, to be around the boys and training with them and playing when I get a chance."
However, he tempered expectations by adding, "There is still a long way to go. Obviously, we know we are alive in all the competitions – and we keep believing that we have to go game-by-game – and at the end of the season, we will see where we are."
Injury Concerns and Positive Updates
Arsenal's squad depth is being tested ahead of the Wolves clash. Defender Riccardo Calafiori missed the Wigan match due to an injury sustained in the warm-up, while captain Martin Odegaard was unavailable with a knock picked up in the previous draw at Brentford. Ben White had to be substituted in the second half against Wigan, compounding worries with Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, and Max Dowman all sidelined, and Ethan Nwaneri away on loan at Marseille. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted concern over his dwindling options.
In a welcome boost, Ben White later posted on social media clarifying that he had not suffered an injury during the FA Cup win, suggesting the defender should be fit to face Wolves. This news provides some relief as Arsenal prepare for a demanding schedule that could define their season.
