Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus struggled to make an impact during the 3-1 win over Southampton at the weekend.
The Brazilian was given his first Premier League start of the season by manager Mikel Arteta but he failed to grab his opportunity.
Supporters on X are pessimistic about whether Jesus will ever get back to his best, having suffered a series of injuries over the past 12 to 18 months:
It’s almost upsetting to see
His body won’t let him do what he could pre-injury and the more he forces it, the more frustrated he gets
— Jack Devonport (@Devonport_Jack) October 7, 2024
We honestly should sell him. He's playing against us anytime he's on the pitch.
— S. Kowino Jr. (@KowinoJr) October 7, 2024
He need to stop too many touches when on the ball and start creating chances instead of trying to take on all the opponent players before passing to a teammate.
— I Belong To God (@Ozorife) October 7, 2024
He is washed
— CT (@Tweetbycritical) October 7, 2024
He will not make it through the January window. If we are on top or in contention again, they will buy. Enough is enough
— Capt. James Flint (@CaptFlint75) October 7, 2024
Cannot fault his commitment. The work he puts in for the team is exceptional. But I think it is time to look beyond Gabs.
— Veni Vedi Vici (@rajd_official) October 7, 2024
Jesus is short of confidence
At his best, the 27-year-old can glide past and commit defenders, bringing teammates into the game and providing a direct threat on the opposition goal. However, there was very little evidence of that against the Saints.
Fitness should not be an issue. A groin injury did keep him sidelined for the best part of a month but he has been available since the last international break, having started against Atalanta in the Champions League and versus Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
There are definitely question marks about his confidence, though. He looks a shadow of the player who looked so bright after he first arrived from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
Arsenal can’t afford to carry passengers
Due to the intense fixture schedule, Arteta will be forced into rotating more than he would like, as we saw on Saturday.
It does mean that he will have to rely on Jesus at times to come in and perform but he wasn’t at the required level against Southampton.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
