Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has given a brutal assessment of striker Gabriel Jesus' goal record amid a tough run of form for the side. The Brazilian has gone eight appearances without finding the back of the net, despite making an ideal start to life in North London early on.
While it has been a tough time for the 25-year-old in terms of getting on the scoresheet, he has still contributed to the team with assists as well as his all-round play that includes quality on and off the ball. Manager Mikel Arteta has continued to back the striker, having authorised the £45million switch in the summer.
"That's going to change [his bad luck]," The Spaniard told reporters on Thursday. "He's getting the situations, he's getting the chances, he's contributing to the team an awful lot, he's helping to win matches, the way he competes for every ball in every single action is incredible.
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"It will come, he needs to be patient, he's been through that in the past and he needs to learn those lessons and don't stop doing those other things that he's doing so well, because that's going to maintain the level of him and the team."
It highlights a concern that was had ahead of his move in the summer though, with Jesus' goal scoring form failing to hit the heights while at Manchester City. It led to former Arsenal man Merson giving a brutal assessment of the forward on Sky Sports' Gillette Soccer Saturday.
"Shouldn’t be having them at Man City, you shouldn’t be having them at Man City," Merson said when it was pointed out that he had similar dips in form with the champions. "There are going to be games where it’s going to be tight and you need your goalscorer."
The striker will be hoping he can return to form in a huge London Derby against Chelsea on Sunday, where he could prove how key he can be in front of goal.
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