Arsenal got a lot of things right in their Champions League win vs Monaco on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners were the dominant force in this encounter with the French outfit. However, there was a clinical edge missing from their game.
Monaco boss Adi Hutter even criticised Arsenal’s finishing after the match. Although Bukayo Saka bagged a brace before Kai Havertz snatched a third late on, the hosts could have been even more comfortable had they not let a hatful of chances go begging.
The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli were particularly guilty of being wasteful in front of goal.
Poor finishing is a familiar failing for Jesus, as the Brazilian striker has scored just once in his last 32 outings for the Gunners, across all competitions.
Arsenal fans give up on Gabriel Jesus after Monaco
The former Manchester City star was under pressure coming into this game. Although Arteta has insisted that Jesus still has a future at Arsenal, it is hard to see how that can be the case given how long he has been in poor form.
Certainly, in the wake of his efforts against Monaco, plenty of Arsenal fans on X are now ready to see the club cut their losses and move on the misfiring 27-year-old.
One said: “I’m still curious about why Jesus is still an Arsenal player cos no serious team with intention of contesting for trophy will have Jesus as their striker.”
Another claimed: “We still need a striker, Jesus has no business at the club after January.”
One supporter stated: “G. Jesus has lost his ability to score. He rushes everything in front of goal, which makes easier for keepers to save his shots if he gets a chance same goes for Odegaard who had great couple of opportunities and wasted them. Let’s improve in front of goal soon.”
Another added: “Done it The Arsenal way but got there in the end. Tonight Jesus had a point to prove and sadly failed. He was needs to to go back to Brazil ASAP Martinelli can go with him aswell.”
Mikel Arteta gave Jesus what he needed
To give him any chance of rediscovering his best form, Arteta had to give Jesus meaningful game time.
The manager held up his half of the bargain against Monaco, but the striker still failed to deliver. There were elements of Jesus’ Champions League performance that were worthy of praise.
He worked hard on and off the ball, made intelligent runs, and linked up well with his teammates, as he recorded an assist for Saka’s opener.
Ultimately, though, strikers are judged on their ability to score goals. Jesus promised Arsenal fans a long time ago that he’d become more prolific.
He has failed to make good on that vow, and Arteta will recognise that the Gunners cannot afford to carry any passengers.
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