As Gabriel Jesus leaves for Barcelona, Arsenal fans owe him the biggest of thank yous
Gabriel Jesus might not have hit the heights some expected in an Arsenal shirt but as he departs for Barcelona, he deserves more praise than some might care to admit.
Jesus is set to seal what he sees as a dream move to Barcelona as Arsenal finally allow the Brazilian to move on, four years after he signed.
Under Mikel Arteta, Jesus has gone from key starting striker to being a squad player and ultimately, that has led to his exit.
However, while the goals might have dried up a touch in recent times, Arsenal fans owe Jesus a big thank you.
Why Arsenal fans should praise Gabriel Jesus’ impact at The Emirates
Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta back in 2019 and one of his first issues to deal with was clearing out the deadwood and those in the squad who were holding the team back.
Once those players had been moved on and with Arteta proving himself to the Arsenal owners, he was then backed in the market heavily.
In 2022, Arteta splashed out on the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from former club Manchester City and from there, the club hasn’t looked back.
Much like Zinchenko, many at Arsenal have credited Jesus with being something of a culture changer at the club.
Coming from City, where it was a win at all costs and nothing but success was acceptable attitude, Jesus very much brought something to Arsenal that was missing.
In Arsenal’s first season, Jesus notched 18 times and provided another seven assists, very much embedding himself as the main man in attack.
Over time, injuries, loss of form and other issues have seen Jesus not quite kick on. But in the main, his signing has been a huge one for Arsenal.
In the end, Jesus got his hands on yet another Premier League title and ultimately, it was what he deserved.
As he moves on to Barcelona, it’s important for Arsenal fans to remember what players like Jesus have brought to the table. Like many in the Mikel Arteta era, contributions off the field and in training are important and it’s clear to everyone that Jesus has done just that.
