What Kai Havertz just did vs PSG highlights how bad things have become at Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus

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Kai Havertz was amongst the goals for Arsenal once again on Tuesday night.

Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 in their Champions League face-off at the Emirates Stadium. 

Kai Havertz connected with a Leandro Trossard cross 20 minutes in to nod the Gunners ahead against the French outfit. 

This goal maintained the German’s remarkable home form. Havertz has scored in every match that Arsenal have played at the Emirates Stadium so far this season.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the level that the former Chelsea forward is now consistently operating at, and he has established himself at the Gunners’ first choice striker.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is struggling to justify his place in the squad. The Brazilian is a clear second choice to lead the line and is enduring a barren run in front of goal. The 27-year-old hasn’t found the back of the net for the North London club since he scored against Nottingham Forest in January.

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Kai Havertz equals Gabriel Jesus goals tally for Arsenal

With his goal against PSG, Havertz took his tally for the Gunners to 19, coming from 60 appearances, across all competitions. 

Jesus has also scored 19 times in his Arsenal career, having played 76 times for the club since this arrival from Manchester City.

Not only has Havertz hit this number in significantly fewer outings, but it is worth bearing in mind that he did not start playing up front regularly until midway through last season.

Upon his arrival from Stamford Bridge, Arteta tried to reinvent Havertz as a midfielder. However, the 25-year-old struggled to adapt to this role and looked short on confidence until he was shifted to the top end of the pitch. 

What next for Gabriel Jesus?

Jesus convinced Arteta to keep faith in him this summer, and is clearly determined to prove his worth this season. There is certainly pressure on him to deliver. If he can’t get back to his best soon then the club will surely seek to move him on. 

The 64-cap Brazil international has never been the most prolific of forwards, and contributes with his work rate and creativity. However, Arteta still needs more from him.

Pressure is growing on Jesus to end his goal drought, but he will likely have to find a way to do so from the bench as he looks unlikely to start games regularly any time soon.