Alan Shearer has praised the impact Gabriel Jesus has had at Arsenal and claimed that he has provided Mikel Arteta with ‘something special’, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The 25-year-old was dubbed the ‘game-changer’ by the Premier League’s highest-ever goalscorer, who also added that Gabriel Jesus is also getting the best out of those around him.
That was on show in the north London derby over the weekend, when Arsenal won the bragging rights by beating Tottenham 3-1 and ending their unbeaten start to the new Premier League season.
Jesus, who was recently left out of Tite’s Brazil squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was on the scoresheet again when he put his team back into the lead early in the second half.
That was the former Manchester City star’s fifth league goal since making that switch and another statement to those in Brazil that he perhaps deserves an international recall.
Nonetheless, Jesus has certainly left an impression on Shearer, as the former Blackburn and Newcastle star shared what he likes about the player.
“He has no doubt been the game-changer has Jesus for Arsenal,” said Shearer. “He’s given them something special up front.
“He has given them that piece of magic that they have been missing in and around that six-yard box. Not only his work in there, but also his work out of it. He can take players away, which then creates space for others.
“So, I think that was a great signing. Arteta knew these guys, so he wasn’t gambling with them and he knew what he was getting on and off the pitch, in terms of good characters. It has been really good business for Arsenal.”
JESUS KEY TO ARSENAL SUCCESS
Arsenal are sitting top of the Premier League table and Jesus has played a big part in their great start to the season.
The mood around the Emirates Stadium probably hasn’t been this good since the days Arsene Wenger was winning league titles in north London.
Now, that was a very long time ago, so bearing that in mind, Arsenal fans will be willing to be more patient with their side knowing that they are on the right track with this manager and these players.
Talk of a title challenge still needs to be quietened because the main aim is to still secure Champions League football and if players like Jesus continue in their current form, then it should be achieved.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
