Mikel Arteta sends clear message to struggling Arsenal star - 'Earn the right to play'
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus endured a disrupted pre-season and is yet to score this season as he struggles for a start with Mikel Arteta calling for more from the Brazilian
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorMikel Arteta has told Gabriel Jesus he must "earn the right to play more" as his Arsenal minutes remain limited.
The Brazilian is looking to rediscover his rhythm after he suffered an injury setback in August. It undid a promising pre-season for the striker, who had scored against both Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United.
Arsenal have settled on a system that sees Kai Havertz operating as their false 9 with Jesus' only start coming in the recent win over Southampton. Otherwise he's been limited to substitute cameos in the Premier League, but has started in Europe and the Carabao Cup.
Despite those opportunities, Jesus is yet to score this season, furthering doubts around his ability to be the prolific frontman Arsenal are seeking. Arteta has backed his player to come good, but has urged him to underline why he should be involved more often.
The Spaniard said: “He came on in a great shape, probably in the best condition he’s been with us. He was flying in pre-season and unfortunately he got that injury straight away that affected him for a few weeks. He put again a lot of work into it to come back and now he needs to get the rhythm.
"He’s playing a few games, he’s started two games in a row vs Atalanta and Bolton, he’s come on against Southampton. So yeah, he’s there. Now he needs to earn the right to play more. He’s got our full support, he’s a player that can play in various positions and he’s a really important player for us.”
Jesus has only scored 19 times across his two seasons at the Emirates. He himself confessed last year that scoring was not his point of difference.
He said: “There are things that I don’t control. I train, I look for, I try, I move, I help the team. The goal is inevitable. I believe it’s not my strong point, but I score goals and I’m there to score goal."
Jesus was signed just over two years ago by Arteta, who hoped the former Manchester City man could fire his side to trophies. That is yet to happen and the Arsenal boss has found new looks for his front three. Havertz has blossomed in a more advanced role whilst Leandro Trossard is now a serious option to play across the frontline after a number of impressive impacts off the bench.
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