Arsenal have not had the greatest of starts to the Premier League season – and it’s arguably been due to problems of their own doing.
The Gunners have played eight games so far in the league, winning five, drawing twice and losing once. And during each game in which they’ve dropped points, Mikel Arteta’s side have been reduced to 10 men.
One issue facing the team this season has been fewer goals. Last year in the league, the Gunners averaged 2.4 goals per game, scoring 91 in total across their 38 games – a stunning return. In their eight games this season, they’ve scored 15: 1.9 goals per game.
Arsenal managed to spread the goals around the team last season, but issues such as the red cards and injuries are starting to take their toll. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have missed matches in attack this season, while captain Martin Odegaard is still out with an ankle problem.
In their stead, Gunners stars have not quite stepped up to the plate. And one man really in need of a goal in the league is Gabriel Jesus. The striker joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, and made quite the impact in his first season in north London.
However, it’s fair to say the goals have dried up. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months, but has now gone without a league goal since January. He is yet to score in any competition this season in nine appearances.
While it would be unfair to place the blame for any attacking failures squarely at Jesus’ door, there has been a downturn in form. Following the arrival of Kai Havertz, it appeared as though Jesus would maintain his place as the Gunners’ No.9 with the ex-Chelsea star deployed in midfield. However, Havertz had a run of games in attack and has not looked back since, becoming the undoubted first choice.
For the sake of his Arsenal career, Jesus will need to get back among the goals soon. There have already been strong links over the summer to the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Nico Williams among others. If Jesus is to stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of the season, he’ll need more goals, and quickly.
