Mikel Arteta Defends Gabriel Jesus Amid Concerns Over First Dip in Form After Southampton Struggles

• Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta has jumped to Gabriel Jesus' defence following questions over his form
• Jesus failed to score against Southampton despite having decent chances to end his five-game goal drought
• The Brazilian started life brilliantly in North London, with five goals and three assists so far in the Premier League

Mikel Arteta has called for calm around his main striker Gabriel Jesus, amid a sense of disquiet growing around him.

Pundits have started questioning Jesus' slight dip in form, with the striker now on a five-game goal drought.

The former Manchester City striker endured another frustrating afternoon at the Saint Mary's Stadium, as Arsenal dropped points for only the second time this season.

Stuart Armstong cancelled out Granit Xhaka's early opener in the second half.

Arsenal vs PSV: Dutch side send subtle jab to Gabriel Jesus ahead of Europa League meeting

Football

Jesus had a couple of clear-cut chances in the game, but Southampton's goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was equal to the task.

Jesus disappointed with his form

Speaking after the game, Arteta revealed that he was not worried about his striker's form.

"I’m sure today he will be disappointed because he had the chances to put them away. Knowing Gabi, he’s disappointed when he scores two goals and could have scored three or four, so he can do that," he said as quoted by Metro UK.

The Arsenal head coach also maintained that Jesus contributes to the team's overall play. The loss of form comes at a bad time for Jesus, as he aims to make it into Tite's World Cup squad.

The draw saw Arsenal's lead at the top cut to two points, following Manchester City's victory over Brighton.

The Gunners will now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they will face PSV Eindhoven before facing Nottingham Forest next weekend.

Ranking the 10 best attacking trios in football history

Football

Jesus speaks after Southampton draw

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has broken his silence following the Gunners' disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Mikel Arteta's charges surrendered a 1-0 advantage during the clash on October 23, clash to settle for a point at St. Mary's.

Granit Xhaka scored a stunning opener for the visitors in the first half, only for Stuart Armstrong to restore parity for the Saints in the 65th minute.