Jesus only made 20 touches to the ball, and none of his three attempts were on target.Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, injuries have been a regular occurrence, with knee issues coming back.Jesus has had time to reach his peak performance because that has been challenging to handle.
He was out recently with a groin injury but a starting spot for the Brazilian would have been unlikely in previous matches owing to the form of Kai Havertz.
Jesus’ career at Arsenal has felt stop-start ever since he signed for £45million from Manchester City in 2022, which seemed like a coup at the time.
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Arsenal came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus started for Arsenal but he was subbed off in the 60th minute
Jesus only made 20 touches to the ball, and none of his three attempts were on target.
Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, injuries have been a regular occurrence, with knee issues coming back.
Jesus has had time to reach his peak performance because that has been challenging to handle.
However, Saturday seemed like just another opportunity lost on him. The 27-year-old’s movement was poor and he failed to obtain a chance on goal. Only five touches and one attempted dribble were recorded by him in the box.
Arteta will be concerned about Jesus’ incapacity to pose a threat to a club that hasn’t won in the Premier League yet.
It is not that he isn’t a capable player. He has the ability to attack directly or skilfully dribble in from out wide — he is no one-trick pony and shows moments of class now and then.
Jesus has now featured in 21 games for Arsenal since he last scored a goal for the London club
During Saturday’s London match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was captured on camera appearing irritated.
Throughout the summer, Arsenal maintained the stance that a striker was not the primary focus during the transfer window due to the return of a fully-fit Jesus; yet, it appears that he has fallen short of their expectations.
There is not much longer for Jesus to turn that corner.