Following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, Gabriel Jesus faced heavy criticism from Steve Nicol, who claimed the Brazilian striker “vanished” during the match.
Despite a WhoScored match rating of 6.65, higher than five teammates, Jesus managed only one shot on target in a frustrating 90 minutes for the Gunners.
Aston Villa secured the lead through John McGinn’s neat finish and maintained solid defense, while Arsenal missed opportunities, notably with Martin Odegaard squandering significant chances.
Former Manchester City striker Jesus came under scrutiny for his performance, leading Nicol to suggest that Arsenal needs a quality No. 9 for a shot at Premier League success.
Nicol expressed disappointment with Jesus’ display, stating it seemed like Arsenal was playing with ten men due to the 26-year-old’s lackluster contribution. He emphasized the importance of a strong attacking force in breaking down a resolute defense, highlighting Jesus’ absence in creating opportunities for the team.
Amidst this, reports suggest that Arteta is eyeing strikers Ivan Toney from Brentford and Victor Osimhen from Napoli as potential signings. Toney is purportedly keen on leaving Brentford in January after the conclusion of his ban for violating the FA’s gambling rules.
Osimhen, also targeted by Chelsea, might exit Napoli at the season’s end after rejecting a contract extension. The pursuit of these strikers reflects Arteta’s recognition of the need for additional firepower in the attacking department.
As Arsenal evaluates potential reinforcements, the criticism of Jesus underscores the urgency to address the team’s striking options. Nicol’s assessment of Jesus’ performance contributes to the ongoing debate about the Gunners’ attacking prowess and the quest for a reliable No. 9 to enhance their chances of success in the Premier League.
