After an hour, Mikel Arteta had seen enough. The score was 1-1. It’s time for a triple substitution to change things.
Raheem Sterling, Jorginho and Gabriel Jesús left. Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard entered. Eight minutes later, Martinelli scored from Bukayo Saka’s cross to send Arsenal on their way to victory over Southampton.
Jesús, who had made his first start of the season, could only watch. He’s Arsenal’s almost man who always looks like he’s about to turn the corner, but never does.
He was recently sidelined with a groin injury, but a starting berth for the Brazilian would have been unlikely in previous games due to Kai Havertz’s form.
Jesus’ Arsenal career has felt cut short since he signed for £45million from Manchester City in 2022, which looked like a coup at the time.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesús started for Arsenal but was substituted in the 60th minute.
Jesús touched the ball only 20 times and failed to hit any of his three shots on goal.
Injuries have been a constant, with recurring knee problems since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It has been difficult to deal with and Jesus has been given time to reach his full form.
But on Saturday he felt as if another opportunity had passed him by. The 27-year-old player did not shoot on goal and lacked movement. He only had five touches in the area and one dribble attempt.
Jesus’ inability to trouble a team yet to win in the Premier League this season will worry Arteta.
It’s not that he’s not a capable player. Has the ability to attack directly or dribble skillfully from the outside; He’s not a one-trick pony and shows moments of class from time to time.
Jesús has appeared in 21 games for Arsenal since he last scored a goal for the London club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured looking frustrated during Saturday’s match in London.
Arsenal’s view all summer was that the return of a fully fit Jesus meant a striker was not the top priority in the transfer window, but on recent evidence, they have not lived up to those expectations.
The time for Jesus to turn that corner is running out.
