Gabriel Jesus addresses his 9-month goal drought | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus has addressed his recent goal drought after ending it on Wednesday, insisting people need to understand the context of the run.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

When Gabriel Jesus found the net on Wednesday, he was doing more than just giving Arsenal the lead against League Cup opponents Preston North End.

The Arsenal forward was also ending a run of nine months without a goal in a competitive fixture, having previously netted against Nottingham Forest on January 30th of this year.

Speaking after the game, Jesus agreed that it was good to end that drought, but he insisted that there’s context to consider.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal runs with the ball under pressure from Joe Aribo of Southampton during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“It’s good, it’s good,” Jesus said of his goal. “When people say [it is my first goal] since January, it looks like it’s a long, long time. Obviously, it’s nine months and I understand.

“But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager] or something like that, I am just saying the truth.

“But I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there.

“Then when I have my opportunities to play my minutes, I try to help the team and also I think now I am more focused on goals.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“Before I was less focused, but now I am more focused to shoot because before I didn’t shoot a lot,” Jesus continued.

“Now, I think what has changed for me is I try to look for the goal. It’s good to be back scoring and obviously I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.

“Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff, that people don’t understand. They are not in the club, they don’t understand, but I am not here to make excuses.

“I am here to work, try to be fit and then, like I said, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Looking back at Jesus’ last nine months, it’s worth mentioning that the Nottingham Forest game was immediately followed by a knee injury.

Jesus returned to the pitch a month later, but Kai Havertz had taken his starting spot. From then until the end of the season, the Brazilian forward only started four games.

The new campaign has been similar, with Jesus only starting his fifth match in all competitions on Wednesday, despite Arsenal playing 14 times. That’s partly because of another fitness setback, with Jesus suffering a groin injury in August.

Last month’s match against Southampton was the only Premier League game in which Jesus made the starting lineup.

Even so, part of the reason why Arteta has preferred to start Havertz is that the German international has taken his chances in the team. Until Wednesday, the same could not be said of Jesus, and it’s up to him to change that.