Gary Neville and Paul Merson took issue with an Arsenal star after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, with the former saying he was “the problem” in the team.
The Gunners were dealt a blow in the title race at the Emirates on Sunday when two late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins condemned them to a fifth defeat of the season to hand Manchester City the initiative at the top of the table.
Manager Mikel Arteta made some changes to his usual eleven, opting to shift Kai Havertz from striker to central midfield, while Leandro Trossard started on the left side with no room for Jorginho.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus was deployed as the main centre-forward leading the line, but the tactical change did not bear fruit as the Gunners drew a blank.
Sky Sports pundit Neville criticized Jesus, calling him “scruffy” over his final ball and saying he was “the problem” as Arsenal struggled to defeat a stubborn Villa team.
Gabriel Jesus was branded “scruffy” and “a problem” for Arsenal during their defeat to Villa
Neville criticized his final product during the 2-0 defeat, while Paul Merson said he should have come off the bench.
Merson also attacked Mikel Arteta’s starting XI after deviating from a ‘winning team’
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“Gabriel Jesus was so scruffy at the end of his game, during the first half,” Neville said in commentary while referencing a poor pass from the Brazilian.
“He still shakes his head and wonders how he didn’t make that pass. He pushes and bullies, but his imperfection is the problem right now,” Neville continued.
Later, Arsenal legend and fellow Sky pundit Merson also spoke about Jesus, stating that he would have been a better option to bring in from the bench, questioning why Arteta didn’t stick with the same winning team.
“I said before the game that I didn’t like Arteta’s decision with the team he chose,” he said after the game. “Keep playing against the same team that wins every week, don’t be fooled by a 25-minute cameo against Bayern Munich.
“Jesús comes in and does well and moves Havertz. They have won nine out of 10 with Jorginho and Havertz playing where they were. It was a bench today that if it didn’t go well it didn’t have anyone. Normally Trossard and Jesús come.