Journalist Charles Watts has issued his concern over the ‘confidence’ of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus after his recent run of form.
The Brazilian signed for the Gunners in the summer, arriving for a fee understood to be £45m, and made a superb impact early on directly contributing to five goals in his first three Premier League games (via Transfermarkt).
More recently, however, his level has dipped a little and this was in evidence against Southampton as he missed two big chances and earned a lowly 5.7 match rating on SofaScore as his side drew 1-1.
While speaking about the Arsenal striker on his own YouTube channel, Watts said that issues relating to ‘fatigue’ may be to blame for Jesus’ recent struggles.
He explained (08:09): “Jesus could have put the game to bed yesterday, he had chances. I think he maybe is beginning to look like no surprise because he’s been an absolute Energizer Bunny since he arrived through the door, has not stopped working, has not stopped running.
“But I just look at him yesterday and what he’s been like in front of goal the last couple of games, maybe snatching at chances a little bit. And again, I just think possibly, I mean confidence will be certainly a part of that.
“But I just wonder if sort of fatigue, physical and mental, might be coming into it again.”
He then added (08:44): “Yesterday, I think he was just struggling a little bit. Confidence, as I said, was probably just a little bit down. I just think mentally as well, fatigue might have been creeping in.”
TIF thoughts on Gabriel Jesus and Arsenal…
As mentioned earlier, Jesus’ enjoyed a fine start to the season with the Gunners and with five goals and four assists in nine league outings, he’s offered up some pretty impressive stats so far – firing Arsenal to the top of the league as a result.
Even so, his momentum has stalled a little bit of late. Indeed, after missing those chances in that Southampton draw, the 25-year-old has now gone four games in all competitions without a goal.
It’s hardly a big drought but it could be of some concern to boss Mikel Arteta. Even though we are now into late October, Arsenal have to manage six games in total before breaking for the World Cup on November 12.
With that in mind, if Jesus is tired, he’s not going to get much of a rest and so he may well need to just play himself out of this dip in form.
Are you worried about Gabriel Jesus' form?
Yes
No
