Pundit Micah Richards has claimed that he feels ‘so sorry’ for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for his unexpected downfall in the past 18 months.
The Gunners are yet to hit their best form as they are blowing hot and cold in the Premier League. They were serious contenders for the prestigious title in their past two seasons. But they have failed to capitalise on their rival’s mistakes this year and are still six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Several key players have either struggled with fitness issues or have failed to match their standards. Jesus is one of those players who looks like a shadow of his former self.
The 27-year-old joined the North London outfit from Manchester City in 2022. He made a brilliant start in the initial months, with many fans already calling him the signing of the season. But he suffered an injury during the World Cup in Qatar and has struggled to make a comeback ever since.
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The Brazilian ace has scored just one goal and provided two assists in 19 games across all competitions this season. This year he has hit the back of the net just twice.
Manager Mikel Arteta never refrained from giving him a chance, but time and again, Jesus missed a number of key chances. The former Man City star was handed valuable minutes against Monaco in the Champions League last week. Although he missed two huge chances, he worked tirelessly and turned provider for Bukayo Saka.
Richards acknowledged the striker’s efforts but believes that the player’s career at Arsenal has turned upside down due to various reasons. While talking on the ‘Rest is Football podcast’, the former Premier League star said:
“I thought Jesus did quite well as well. Not in terms of like putting his chances away, but in terms of work rate. You feel so sorry for him, but the work that he puts in for the team was brilliant and has been brilliant.”
“I know he started so well. It’s been frustrating. He got the injury; he came back from the injury. He’s been a shadow of the player, but a lot of the good work with Arsenal comes from his hard work, and he got his assist. So, I was happy for him.”
GABRIEL JESUS NEEDS GOALS TO SURVIVE
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Jesus needs to score goals in order to convince the authority at the Emirates Stadium. A striker is judged by the goals he scores, and that hasn’t been the case with the Arsenal star.
He scored his first goal of this year against Nottingham Forest at the end of January before registering his second exactly nine months later in the EFL Cup competition vs. Preston North End.
That’s a pretty huge gap, and a competitive club like Arsenal might soon lose its patience if things don’t improve from the striker’s side.
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Replacing Kai Havertz at the top is difficult, but the South American can convince Arteta by delivering top displays in the upcoming months. Anything less than that will push him towards the danger zone, most probably a summer exit.
Related Items:Latest Gabriel Jesus News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Micah Richards
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