No goals in nine games - Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup dream over?

Carlo Garganese

• 6 Nov 2022 16:20 GMT
• 4 min read

It was another fantastic afternoon for Arsenal on Sunday as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a statement win at Chelsea.

Defender Gabriel scored the only goal of the game in the second half for the Gunners, who dominated Chelsea for much of the game.

They created multiple opportunities, controlled the tempo and were rarely threatened in defence. As a collective unit, Arsenal really are starting to look like the real deal.

READ MORE: World Cup 2022 top scorers: Harry Kane to retain Golden Boot?

This is no flash in the pan, it is not just a good start to the season. Structurally and systematically, manager Mikel Arteta has built a formidable, well-oiled team.

They have every chance of giving Man City a real challenge this season, even if Pep Guardiola’s men naturally remain strong favourites to retain their crown.

Gabriel Jesus has been a wonderful signing for Arsenal. He sets the tone for everything that Arsenal do well. He presses from the front perfectly, making it extremely difficult for the opposition to get out.

His movement and link-up play is superb, while despite standing at just 5ft 9in his hold-up play and his work with his back to goal is very impressive.

But there is one thing that is still missing from Gabriel Jesus’ game – and it could cost him his place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Yes, Jesus doesn’t score enough goals.

Gabriel Jesus' lack of goals

He had two excellent chances against Chelsea – nodding wide with the goal at his mercy in the first half – but missed both.

Jesus has now gone nine games without scoring for Arsenal. This is somewhat alarming given that the Gunners have won seven of these matches. He has also only contributed two assists in this time – both in the same game in the 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest.

Arteta and Arsenal fans won’t be concerned given how well Gabriel Jesus is playing overall – and just how well the team is playing.

But given the incredible competition for attacking places for Brazil, Selecao manager Tite is likely to select players with more goal contributions.

Tite has the following options; Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Roberto Firmino, Richarlison, Antony, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli – just to name a selection.

We are seeing the same shortcomings from Jesus with Arsenal that we saw at Man City. In four of his six seasons at City, he failed to hit double figures in the Premier League.

It was hoped that playing as the first-choice number 9 at Arsenal, his numbers would improve. And indeed they did in the early weeks of the season as he scored five goals in his first nine games.

He has now gone the next nine without scoring – and it could rob him of his World Cup dream.