Manchester City sealed their place in the knockout stages of this seasons UEFA Champions League despite being held to a draw by Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League Champions were pegged back by a Manor Solomon goal just 13 minutes after Ilkay Gundogan put them in front and were unable to find a winner late on.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who is valued at £63 million (Transfermarkt), was tasked with leading the line after the news broke earlier this week that Sergio Aguero had been ruled out for a ‘few weeks’ with an injury he sustained during last weekends victory over Chelsea but his performance received mixed reviews from the City faithful.
You need to improve in your game bro …
— Ngwana Mmuwi (@robzinterris) November 26, 2019
Very bad?
— Sky ? (@Sky09765546) November 26, 2019
Gabriel Jesus out!!
— Aldrey Noviello (@Aldreyn06) November 26, 2019
Scrub performance. You guys should be apologizing
— Con Derry (@con_derry) November 26, 2019
Whereas others took to social media to share words of encouragement with the 22-year-old.
Good assist @gabrieljesus33. You played well so did the team
— ReubzNZ (@ReubzNZ) November 26, 2019
It’s your time to shine. We have faith in you ??
— Josh4City (@Josh4City9320) November 26, 2019
What do we think?
It was hardly a vintage Manchester City performance but Pep Guardiola’s side got the job done and can now rest assured knowing their progression to the Round of 16 has been confirmed. Sergio Aguero, a man who has played his way into City folklore is a tough act to follow – even for a player of Gabriel Jesus’ talents. Contrary to what people may think however, the Brazilian’s goalscoring record in the famous blue shirt is highly impressive; 50 goals in just 116 appearances is not to be sniffed at.
Is Gabriel Jesus good enough to fill the shoes of Sergio Aguero?
Yes
No
Perhaps the former Palmeiras man will need some time to play his way in to form but, given it’s unlikely Aguero will return in the coming weeks, he’s likely to have the opportunity to do so. The jury is still out on Jesus in the eyes of some supporters and now is his opportunity to shine, he’ll need to grab it with both hands and silence those who doubt him.