Alan Shearer has called on Gabriel Jesus to continue his recent superb run of performances in the expected injury absence of Bukayo Saka. The latter departed Selhurst Park after just 24 minutes because of a hamstring issue, however the Gunners were still able to beat Crystal Palace 5-1 in the Premier League.
Following on from his hat-trick against Oliver Glasner’s side earlier this week in the Carabao Cup, Jesus grabbed a brace after just 12 minutes with Kai Havertz also on target in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice later found the back of the net in the second period.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Jesus immediately paid off with fellow striker Shearer offering a clear verdict on his goals and overall performance.
“He was having such a tough time in front of goal, but I think Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit because of what happened in midweek, he gets his goals and you can see the belief he would’ve had in training,” he said on BBC Match of the Day. “He had to start him and it was a wonderful performance. He’s got a spring back in his step.”
On Jesus’ second goal, he added: “This is a really clever finish. The way he guides it in and maybe three or four weeks ago that might hit the post, but such is his confidence, he feels back amongst it and full of belief again.”
While Arteta will be pleased that Jesus is firing on all cylinders, there is a real concern that Saka could miss the upcoming period through injury. The Arsenal talisman went down clutching his hamstring with the decision to bring him off made swiftly and he was later spotted departing the stadium on crutches.
