The last time Monaco came to the Emirates Stadium an out of form striker endured a frustrating night. Nine years later it seems that very little has changed.
The Gabriel Jesus that signed for Arsenal two and a half years ago would have walked away with two goals against Monaco. The one on display on Wednesday night never looked like grabbing what would have been just his third goal of the calendar year.
And yet, Jesus can, in many ways, walk away from Wednesday night’s game with his head held high. He walked off to a standing ovation from the Arsenal crowd when he was subbed and deserved it. His assist for Bukayo Saka’s opener was sublime, and some of his hold up play was outstanding.
He was alive and created the first goal by creating a great movement,” Mikel Arteta said of his display. “That’s him. We have him, we have him back and I’m sure he’ll contribute to the team.”
There have been suggestions that the Brazilian could leave the club in January although Arteta dismissed these as nonsense in the pre-match. Regardless of his goal threat, it seems he still has a role to play.
