Darren Bent has hit out at Gabriel Jesus after watching the Arsenal striker in action for the Gunners in their win over Brentford on Saturday.
Bent was speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show (broadcast on 27/11) after a Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the three points to send them top of the table.
Gabriel Jesus made his return to the starting lineup after sustaining an injury in the weeks leading up to the international break.
Darren Bent criticises Gabriel Jesus after Arsenal win
Jesus did have a great chance to put Arsenal ahead in the first-half. The ball did end up in the back of the net with Leandro Trossard heading home after the Brazilian’s effort was parried by Mark Flekken. Trossard was subsequently deemed to be offside. And Jesus was criticised for not finishing the chance off himself.
But Darren Bent had another issue with the 26-year-old. He felt that he was not putting himself in the right areas often enough as Arsenal just about got themselves over the line.
“I think the firepower is an issue. I think Saka and Martinelli, these guys, they’re fantastic. They’re fine, they’ll get their numbers. But I think the centre forward issue is going to be a problem. They’ve brought Jesus in who’s a good player, not a goalscorer,” he told The Kelly and Wrighty Show.
“Really good footballer, creates opportunities. And there were even times against Brentford where I’m watching the game and he’s playing wide left crossing balls into the box. And I’m thinking no, that’s where you need to be.”
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Gabriel Jesus’ form is potentially a concern for the Gunners. Of course, it would be incredibly unfair to only judge him on his goals return. He brings so much to the Arsenal side. And he actually has three in three in the Champions League.
However, one goal in the Premier League this season is not good enough for a player of Jesus’ calibre. And it may cost Arsenal if they do not get more goals from their strikers in the months ahead.
Certainly, you would think it would come into Mikel Arteta‘s thinking heading into the January transfer window. Arsenal have overhauled their ranks in the last few years. But it does feel like a prolific striker may be one of the final pieces of the puzzle.
That would be slightly disappointing in some ways because it was clear that Jesus was a game-changing signing when he arrived at Arsenal.
It would be fitting if he could find a way to get them over the line as another title challenge looms.