Gabriel Jesus did not hesitate to criticise Steve Nicol after the striker for Arsenal missed the chance to put the Gunners ahead 2-0 against Tottenham on Sunday.
Nicol was speaking on ESPN following Mikel Arteta’s team’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Spurs at the Emirates over the weekend.
Tottenham performed admirably both times they overcame a deficit. However, Arsenal supporters will believe that they ought to have ended the match quickly after Cristian Romero’s own goal broke the tie.
James Maddison’s pocket was picked by Gabriel Jesus inside the Tottenham penalty area. And right inside the box, the Brazilian found himself facing Guglielmo Vicario almost one-on-one.
Jesus seized the chance right away. He did, however, blow his attempt over the bar. With his hand still on his head, Jesus was left. And as if to express gratitude for the Arsenal striker’s release, Maddison placed his hand on his arm.
Nicol berates Jesus following his Arsenal miss.
Nicol undoubtedly believed that Jesus ought to have used the opportunity far more wisely.
“Haaland only misses the difference, not the opportunity. That ball is in the back of the net if Haaland is that player. That is not something Jesus can do. That is appalling and insufficient, he said ESPN.
It’s been said before that Jesus is just not cunning enough when it comes to goal. During a significant portion of the previous season, the Brazilian failed to score a goal.
It’s unlikely that he belongs in the elite group of strikers. But there’s no denying that he’s a fantastic player who improves Arsenal when he’s on the pitch.
He handled his goal against PSV Eindhoven last week rather well. And strikers all lose opportunities. It appeared like Erling Haaland would never be able to get a hit in a few of his games during the previous season.
It won’t be necessary for anyone to inform Jesus that he could have performed better at that particular moment. And when another opportunity like that arises in the future, it might be reflected.
