Mikel Arteta explains decision to bench Gabriel Jesus for Fulham with Eddie Nketiah starting ahead of him

Nketiah leads the line for the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta is hopeful his side will be more ‘efficient’ in front of goal after dropping Gabriel Jesus to the bench for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Fulham.

Jesus has scored seven times in all competitions this season and was guilty of missing a string of chances during the midweek defeat to West Ham United at home.

Arsenal managed 30 shots on target against the Hammers with the Brazil international missing two headers from close range.

He drops to the bench for the trip to Fulham on Sunday afternoon with Eddie Nketiah starting for the first time in the league since early November as one of three changes made by the manager.

Oleksandr Zinchenko misses out through a calf injury with Jakob Kiwior coming into replace him at left-back. Kai Havertz, back from suspension, also returns in place of Leandro Trossard.

Asked about Nketiah coming in for Jesus, he told Sky Sports: ‘It’s about the three changes. We played less than 72 hours ago and are going to need a lot of energy to beat Fulham.’

He added: ‘I fully trust my players. We are generating so many situations and when that happens goals will come. Today, hopefully we will be more efficient.’

Jesus missed a number of chances midweek (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal are in the market for another striker in January with Ivan Toney thought to be top of the their list.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, former Gunners striker Alan Smith believes Nketiah will offer more of a poacher’s threat up top than Jesus against Fulham this afternoon but says a new option in January is vital.

‘He is more of a poacher, goals inside the six yard box,’ Smith said of Nketiah.

‘He anticipates the ball better than Gabriel Jesus does. But his overall game, you don’t get as much from him  as you do from Gabriel Jesus who is great on the press and making runs.

‘But it is a great chance for him. I don’t think he is the long-term answer. But looking forward, they do need another striker.’

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Mikel Arteta made three changes to his side.