Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hit out at critics of Gabriel Jesus' form, claiming his side "know where we are" with the striker amid a difficult run of games. The Brazilian has struggled to find the back of the net after an ideal start to the campaign, with his goalless spell now extending to 10 appearances.
Jesus has had chances to find the goals, with plenty of opportunities falling his way, but a lack of cutting edge and luck has meant that he is still struggling to score. It had led to plenty of criticism for the 25-year-old, despite the Gunners continuing their start to the campaign by sitting top of the league.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson was particularly critical of the forward, mocking his scoring form at Manchester City 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."
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While Jesus has struggled as of late when it comes to being on the scoresheet, he has been able to contribute in his all-round game to help the side. That is a point that Arteta wanted to emphasise when discussing the striker after victory against Wolves, offering plenty of support.
He told Sky Sports: "We are feeling for him because his contribution is valuable. With him, we know where we are. The love, respect and admiration for the players and the rest of the staff is huge, hopefully, he feels that."
Jesus will now be jetting off to Qatar with his national side for the World Cup, where he will be hoping to find some goal-scoring form along with a trophy at the end of it.
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