Arsenal were able to fight to a 3-1 win over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Things were not easy for Arsenal against Southampton after Mikel Arteta named a somewhat rotated starting XI.
As Takehiro Tomiyasu was only fit enough for the bench, and with Ben White and Jurrien Timber still injured, Thomas Partey was required at right-back. Jorginho came into the midfield trio, as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling joined the attack, with the latter making his first Premier League start for the Gunners.
Whilst Sterling looked lively, it was another frustrating afternoon for Jesus. The Brazilian has now not scored a goal for the Gunners since January, and his all-round game is far from firing on all cylinders at present, too.
Bukayo Saka vented his frustration with Jesus at one stage against Southampton, after the former Manchester City man neglected to play a pass that would have sent the Hale End academy graduate clean through on goal.
Arsenal fans give verdict on Gabriel Jesus after Southampton clash
Whilst Arteta may be losing patience with Jesus, many Arsenal fans on X certainly are.
One said: “There was a time when Gabriel Jesus missed sitters but played incredibly well and brought others into the game. Now he doesn’t even do that. Most of his actions are rushed and the decision-making is poor. He hasn’t grown as a player, he has gotten worse.”
Another stated: “He’s lost his confidence. That’s the problem. Unfortunately, there’s no easy solution to that. Arteta probably gave him the start hoping that playing against a defensively weak side would help him… but it just hasn’t worked.”
One claimed: “He’s basically become Nketiah. Overthinking easy situations and gets tunnel vision when others are in a better position.”
Another supporter added: “Jesus should not be anywhere near the starting 11. He has helped us step up, but now the team has left him behind.”
What Arsenal must do with Jesus now
Jesus still offers useful back up in this squad, and may well rediscover his spark.
As things stand, though, it is hard to imagine that the 27-year-old has a long-term place in Arteta’s plans due to his performance levels and proneness to injury.
However, due to his wages and fitness issues, the striker could prove difficult to move on. As such, Arteta will continue to lean on him for depth, and grant him opportunities to play his way back into form when possible, but otherwise the pressure to consistently lead the line effectively will now rest on Kai Havertz’s shoulders.
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