The Arsenal forward has explained why he does not score as consistently as Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has disclosed why his contributions to Mikel Arteta’s men are valued, even if his goalscoring numbers may underwhelm.
21:58 - 08.04.2024
I'm always in pain — Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus opens up on his struggles
Gabriel Jesus, the tenacious striker for Arsenal, grapples with persistent knee injuries as he strives to excel on the field.
21:37 - 02.04.2024
Arsene Wenger slams Jesus, names what Arsenal need to win Premier League
Arsene Wenger's critique of Gabriel Jesus sheds light on Arsenal's struggle to find a top striker post-departure of key forwards.
Goal-shy Jesus
While the Brazil international has a commendable four-goal Champions League return in six appearances, his Premier League tally is below-par in comparison with out-and-out centre-forwards like Erling Haaland and even the multifaceted Harry Kane, expected to lead the Bavarians’ attack in Tuesday’s clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Jesus has recently been shunted to a wide-left berth, with Kai Havertz playing centrally because of his height and physicality in aerial duels, meaning Arteta has made the most of the Brazilian’s versatility.
The former Man City player believes it is a strength, not a weakness, before pushing back on comparisons with Kane and Haaland.
“Even if I’m playing in a position like they are, I think it’s unfair because we are different types of players,” said Jesus before Arsenal take on Bayern. “That’s my opinion. I have played this season maybe 40 per cent on the wing, but people only want to know the result and if I’ve scored or not.
“That’s football today. It’s not just with me, but it’s a lot of strikers like this. I’ll never complain when someone asks me what I think.
“I don’t want to come here and say Gabi doesn’t care about playing as a winger when his position normally is a nine. In this part of the season, you don’t complain. I never complain. When I get the chance I will show the manager and everyone else why I have to play.
“This part of the season, I’ll put my ego aside and do what the manager wants to help the team. It’s not easy, not just for me but for Eddie as well. Kai is having amazing games and scoring. That’s the price you pay if you want to be in a big club.”
What comes next for Jesus and Arsenal?
Jesus is expected to play a prominent role in Arsenal’s Premier League run-in, with the Gunners atop the standings on goal difference.
The North London club are backed to make it past Bayern to advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2008-09 and take on either Manchester City or Real Madrid.