Gary Neville has praised Gabriel Jesus for the defensive shift he puts in for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The Brazil international came under fire after Arsenal dropped points at home to Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.
In the first half, he missed what was now a game-changing chance when he nicked the ball off James Maddison on the edge of the area and proceeded to blaze his shot over the bar.
But Gary Neville was sure to highlight the defensive quality of Gabriel Jesus and how he ‘works like a dog’ for the team, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (24/09/23 at 2:30 pm).
Yes, there are some, such as Paul Merson who think he won’t win Arsenal the Premier League title because he isn’t a clinical finisher.
But he provides more than what he does inside the penalty area, that’s why Mikel Arteta purchased him and Pep Guardiola played him in the big games for Manchester City.
Gabriel Jesus’ defensive work
“He does work, like a dog, Jesus as a defender,” said Neville. “He really does. He gets back and tackles well.”
Gabriel Jesus needs a run of games
Ever since the 26-year-old stepped foot into Arsenal, he hasn’t had the run of starts he would have liked because of two big injuries.
If the versatile forward – who has been told he has been playing in the wrong position – can stay out of the treatment room, then fans will see the best out of him.
That way, he can answer critics who question his ability to fire a team to the Premier League title because he isn’t ruthless enough in front of goal.
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