Previously a key player under Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus has only played 122 minutes of Premier League football for Arsenal this season.
Jesus has been afforded more chances in the Champions League and EFL Cup for Arsenal, but in Arteta’s most important games, he sits on the sidelines.
Moreover, in Jesus’ nine league appearances so far this season he hasn’t bagged a goal, often snatching at any chances that come his way.
On his end, Jesus wants more minutes at Arsenal, and he has gone about improving his situation in a classy manner.
The Brazilian, putting his ego aside, has simply worked harder than ever judging by Arteta’s words, even if that endeavour isn’t paying dividends just yet.
Pep Guardiola said Gabriel Jesus was ‘not happy’ on the sidelines at Man City
That being said, Pep Guardiola’s comments about Jesus’ complaints regarding his lack of game time in 2019 at Manchester City are now very interesting.
Stuck behind Sergio Aguero in Manchester, the striker is now in a very similar position playing second-fiddle to Kai Havertz at the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Arsenal considering January loan move for Man Utd striker target compared to Thierry Henry
In a separate interview Jesus admitted that he was becoming “impatient” with his chances, something Guardiola responded to.
“He’s special. I saw the interview he did and it was perfect. No problem.
“Of course he wants to play. He’s the number nine for Brazil. I understand completely.
“All the players want to play all the games. It’s normal. No player will be happy if they don’t play regularly.
“He’s happy when he plays, not happy when he doesn’t. They have different qualities. Sergio is one of the most outstanding players I’ve seen in the small spaces.
“But I try to let them both play as much as possible. There are little details that make the difference.
“In some games, Gabriel gives me something Sergio can’t – and also the other way around.
“But both guys are incredible. Sergio is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, a top player, a legend, incredibly humble and a funny guy.
“They’re upset if they don’t play, of course. How can they be happy? It’s impossible. All I can say is that I’m sorry.”
Gabriel Jesus sacrificed a lot to join Arsenal in 2022
Of course, it’s redeeming that Jesus has always been so respectful towards the club and the situation publicly whilst at Arsenal.
Arsenal signed Jesus for £45m in 2022, he was meant to be the jewel of Arteta’s revival in north London.
The striker put a lot of faith in Arsenal at the time, deciding to leave Man City who were winning everything.
And it would be understandable if the striker now felt aggrieved by his current predicament.
That being said, Jesus’ compatriot, Gabriel Martinelli, did take his moment superbly at Stamford Bridge just before the international break.
And Martinelli’s celebration said everything about his Arsenal struggles, another player who hasn’t been at his best for an extended period.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
