'Please, man!' – Ian Wright begs Arsenal fans not to turn on struggling star

Today at 02:03 PM

Ian Wright has pleaded with Arsenal fans not to turn on struggling forward Gabriel Jesus and says he needs to be ‘supported’ while he rediscovers his form.

Jesus is one of the few Arsenal players who have endured a poor start to the season, failing to score or assist in eight appearances.

Due to his dip in form and the impressive performances of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, Jesus has been handed just one Premier League start which came on Saturday in the 3-1 win over Southampton.

Jesus would have been desperate to impress against winless Southampton but was hooked on the hour mark and then saw his replacement Martinelli score as Arsenal came from behind to win their fifth league game of the season.

Arsenal legend Wright senses fans are growing frustrated with Jesus but has reminded them of the Brazilian’s impact following his move from Manchester City two years ago.

Jesus was credited with improving standards at Arsenal after joining the club in a £45m deal from Man City, where he lifted four Premier League trophies.

'Can I just say something about Gabriel Jesus because I feel the need to support him right now,’ Wright said on his podcast.

'I really, really do. I know there's a feeling that we may have outgrown him but remember when Gabby came, he was a leveller, he levelled us up. 

'Arsenal are at a certain level now but we will definitely need him at some stage so I think it's important in this moment for the Arsenal fans to support him. 

'They have to get behind him. Don't be frustrated with the way he's playing, he's trying so hard at the moment and we're going to need him. 

'We need to make sure we give him confidence because he's won this [the Premier League] four times. He's been clutch in many situations before. 

'Listening to the murmurings and the way the fans are… please man, back this guy, stay with him. 

'He wants to do so well and it's just not happening right now but he needs support, he really, really does.' 

Despite replacing Jesus in the 60th minute against Southampton, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he was ‘really happy’ with his performance and that of summer signing Raheem Sterling, who made his first league start for the Gunners following a deadline-day loan move from Chelsea.

‘I was really happy,’ Arteta said when asked if Jesus and Sterling had done enough to prove they warrant starting for the Premier League title challengers.

‘We made the changes we had to make. Everybody deserves to play and in the first half, it could have been very different for the result.

‘After, we decided to change because the energy had to be changed and we brought on three players that have the ability to do that and they really helped, but I'm pleased with everyone.’

Arsenal’s victory ensures they remain on the coattails of Premier League champions Manchester City, currently second, and early leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners are bidding to become Premier League champions for the first time in 21 years having finished two points behind Man City last season.

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