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Arsenal: Journalist slams Jesus for ‘anonymous’ Brazil performance

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Kieran Jackson of The Independent has slammed Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after his ‘anonymous’ performance for Brazil against Cameroon at the World Cup. 

The South American side were defeated 1-0 by the Indomitable Lions thanks to a goal from Vincent Aboubakar. However, the forward was sent off for a second yellow after he took his shirt off when celebrating.

Prior to being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament through injury, it had been a quiet World Cup from Jesus. Having only made one start and two brief cameos during the group stage, the 25-year-old only averaged 0.7 shots per game and only 0.3 on target for Brazil, as per Sofascore.

Jackson was baffled as to how the striker had so little impact for the five-time winners, giving the Brazilian a 4/10 rating.

He stated: “An anonymous audition for the Arsenal man. Quite perplexing, really, when you think about his sensational form for the Gunners so far this season, but in the blue of Brazil, Jesus failed to make an impact at all. Had one opening – from Martinelli’s cross in the first half which he failed to convert – and hasn’t given boss Tite much to ponder when it comes to his attacking options for the knockouts.”

TIF Thoughts on Jackson’s comments…

It’s been a World Cup to forget for the Arsenal man, which is very bizarre to see, as he’s been performing well for the Gunners this campaign.

Jesus has 10 goal contributions this season, with five goals and five assists. The forward is deadly with the ball at his feet, as he’s in the top 3% of dribbles completed and in the top 6% for shot-creating actions among forwards over the past year (FBref).

While only averaging little over 30 minutes per game in Qatar, his displays may have demonstrated that the Gunners are perhaps better suited to playing to his strengths.

When he returns to fitness, Arsenal fans will be hoping he can pick up where he left off this season. They’re currently top of the league and have the joint-best defence in the division, with a lot to play for in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

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