“We will definitely need him at some stage” - Ian Wright urges Arsenal fans to ‘support’ struggling Gunners star
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged the club's supporters to back Gabriel Jesus amidst his struggles. The Brazilian has yet to register a goal contribution in eight games across competitions this season.
The Gunners signed Jesus from Manchester City for a reported fee of £45 million in the summer of 2022. He's scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 77 games across competitions for them so far. He's faced multiple injury issues throughout his time at the club and has struggled this season.
Amidst such struggles, Ian Wright has urged Arsenal supporters to back Jesus. He said on Wrighty's House podcast (via Mirror):
"Can I just say something about Gabriel Jesus because I feel the need to support him right now. I really, really do. I know there's a feeling that we may have outgrown him but remember when Gabby came, he was a leveller, he levelled us up.
"Arsenal are at a certain level now but we will definitely need him at some stage so I think it's important in this moment for the Arsenal fans to support him. They have to get behind him. Don't be frustrated with the way he's playing."
He added:
"He's trying so hard at the moment and we're going to need him. We need to make sure we give him confidence because he's won this [the Premier League ] four times. He's been clutch in many situations before.
"Listening to the murmurings and the way the fans are… please, man, back this guy, stay with him. He wants to do so well and it’s just not happening right now but he needs support, he really, really does."
Jesus has started just three games this season for Mikel Arteta's side, with only one of them coming in the Premier League.
Gilberto Silva assesses Arsenal's potential Premier League title challenge this season
The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League title in the last two seasons but failed on both occasions against Manchester City. They are set to challenge this season as well and will hope to win their first title after 20 years.
Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva recently assessed their potential season and said they need to avoid dropping points at home against mid-table teams. He said (via Mirror):
“I think that the team today is very mature, structured. When we look at the Arsenal team, the players, the team, the formation, the balance between the sectors is very well defined. It is important to go far. The signings that have been coming in have been important, with results, this also makes the whole job easier.
"It’s not just about hiring, you need to hire athletes who come in and wear the shirt and deliver results for a team like Arsenal. It won’t be easy, again. It is important to learn from past mistakes. In the last two seasons, they made crucial mistakes against smaller and mid-table teams, especially at home. They have to do this homework very well this season.”
The north London side are third in the Premier League table, one point behind Liverpool. They will next face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on October 19.