Gabriel Jesus has called on his Arsenal teammates to “increase the level” after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners went ahead through Granit Xhaka’s early goal from Ben White’s cross but could not add to their lead during a spell of early dominance. Jesus himself saw a shot saved by Gavin Bazunu, while Gabriel Martinelli had a shot deflected wide.
Southampton were much improved after the break and took advantage of Arsenal ’s tiring legs when Stuart Armstrong tucked home to complete a flowing move involving Mohamed Elyounoussi. Martin Odegaard had the ball in the net for Arsenal, but it was ruled out because the ball was out of play before Kieran Tierney crossed for him.
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League, two points clear of Manchester City, but Jesus was disappointed with the result at St Mary’s. “I think we can increase the level again, you know,” he said.
“Everyone, as a team and as an individual. We have to concentrate more, focus more, be more aggressive with and without the ball. I think we go home today a little bit upset. Because of the way we play, we could have scored more goals and won the game.”
Jesus endured a bruising contest up against Southampton defender Duje Caleta-Car and has now gone five games without scoring. The Brazilian has five goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, but has struggled for form in recent games.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What do Arsenal need to do better? Comment below.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, manager Mikel Arteta brushed off concerns about his summer signing’s form. “I’m sure today he will be disappointed because he had the chances to put them away,” he said.
“Knowing Gabi, he’s disappointed when he scores two goals and could have scored three or four, so he can do that. But he has the chances, and he’s always there. He gives so much to the team, and it’s a shame he couldn’t put them away today.”
Speaking more generally about the game, Arteta added: “No complaints. This is football. We were really good in the first half and totally controlled the game. We created loads of big chances that we didn’t put away.
“In the Premier League, unfortunately, if you don’t do that when you are top of the game, you can have some difficulties. In the second half, we put ourselves in problems with the amount of giveaways that we had, especially with ball possession, and that didn’t allow us to control the game the way we wanted.
“Their direct play and long throws, and set pieces disrupted the game a lot. We tried to react, and I still think in the second half, the two biggest chances were ours, but we didn’t put them away.”
Arsenal will now prepare to face PSV Eindhoven again in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League next Sunday.
