Gabriel Agbonlahor recently claimed that Gabriel Jesus' move to Arsenal was the signing of the summer, but can he really be compared to the unstoppable Erling Haaland?
When speaking to talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa man said: “Best signing [of the summer] is Gabriel Jesus, for me. Haaland has been outstanding, but City always did well without Haaland and scored ridiculous goals without Haaland. Gabriel Jesus has turned Arsenal into something else. They have got a striker now who doesn’t labour when he is pressing defenders."
There's no denying Jesus' electric start to life at Arsenal. The Brazil international never really produced consistently in Pep Guardiola’s side, but increased freedom in a fluid and interchangeable Arsenal frontline has demonstrated his ability as an elite dribbler, finisher and playmaker.
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Jesus’ seven goal involvements in seven Premier League games prove just how much of an impact he's having in the capital, and Agbonlahor did raise a valid point when lauding Jesus’ willingness to join the press, a skill which was often overlooked at City.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the Brazilian's debut in July, Mikel Arteta sang the praises of his new signing's defensive output, claiming: “He creates chaos, he creates uncertainty and he’s always on your shoulder. He’s always there to nick the ball off you, he’s always in front of the goal. He’s a real threat and this is what we need."
The leadership demonstrated in Jesus' willingness to press has allowed him to combine with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, with Arsenal's frontline trailing only Liverpool and Southampton for successful defensive pressures this season.
And in any other season, the arrival of Jesus would likely have been the signing of the summer. However, following his £51m arrival from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has been nothing short of amazing.
Racking up an incredible 14 goals in 10 games for Manchester City, the Norwegian has been unplayable and looks to be the final piece of the puzzle for a City team desperate to win the Champions League. His ability to find pockets of space, utilising his rapid pace and strong physique, has allowed City to introduce a whole new style of play, with Haaland offering new outlets to get in behind the opposition backline.
Guardiola's City have become renowned for their slow and measured build-up play, and the adjustment to once again playing with an out-and-out number nine has not been instantaneous. However, with so much creativity within their ranks and a world-class manager, it is likely this problem won't be an issue for long.
While Agbonlahor raises some valid points regarding Jesus’ role in Arsenal’s evolving frontline, it is hard to compare any summer signing to Haaland. Lazy onlookers will tell you scoring goals as a City striker is the easiest job in football, but the fact Guardiola was willing to go a whole season without a recognised striker following his failed pursuit of Harry Kane shows us it was always going to take more than just any old striker to fill the void left by Sergio Aguero.
Missing out on Kane last year was undoubtedly a massive blow to Guardiola's plans, but good things come to those who wait, and the signing of Haaland could even turn out to be the best signing in Premier League history.
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