At a Glance:
- Arsenal lost 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.
- Gabriel Jesus started up front for Mikel Arteta’s side.
- Gunners supporters were vocal online about their thoughts on the Brazilian’s performance.
Gabriel Jesus started for Arsenal against Southampton on Saturday night, and fans had a lot to say about his performance.
The Brazilian has been on the periphery of the Gunners’ squad in recent months, with Mikel Arteta granting him just a handful of appearances in domestic cup competitions. While he has found the back of the net on five separate occasions since his return from injury, the striker hasn’t managed to convince the Spanish manager to utilise him more frequently in Premier League and Champions League matches.
Deployed as a sole number nine with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard just behind him against the Saints, Jesus’ display would’ve done little to prompt Arteta to change his mind moving forward.
Arsenal fans react to Gabriel Jesus’ performance vs Southampton
Jesus is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, despite his contract not expiring until 2027. The 29-year-old has fallen behind the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Havertz in the pecking order, while he’s struggled to deliver when he has been granted opportunities. For these reasons, the Gunners are likely to sanction his exit in a few months’ time.
While he may be on his way out, he still has the potential to play a role in a historic season for the Gunners. However, he likely blew his chances of featuring all that regularly in the run-in with his showing against Southampton.
Not only did he hardly touch the ball in the Saints’ box, but when he did find himself in possession outside the box, he was wasteful and ineffective. Arsenal fans weren’t best pleased with the number nine.
Writing on X, one fan said: “Is Gabriel Jesus playing at striker? I haven’t seen him there the whole half, I can’t lie.”
Is Gabriel Jesus playing at ST? I havent seen him there the whole half i cant lie.
— Amir 🇱🇧 (@_Amzo__) April 4, 2026
Another supporter joked that the yellow balloon on the pitch throughout the game contributed more than Jesus.
Yellow balloon outplaying Gabriel Jesus.
— Innes. (@TheRealInnes) April 4, 2026
Another fan added: “Gabriel Jesus is a passenger. He is offering nothing.”
Gabriel Jesus is a passenger. He is offering nothing.
— KD (@iamkaus26) April 4, 2026
Finally, one supporter posited: “It would be good if Gabriel Jesus could turn up today, he’s been invisible and Martinelli not much better. Arsenal totally dependent on the right-hand side (even more than usual).”
It would be good if Gabriel Jesus could turn up today, he’s been invisible and Martinelli not much better. Arsenal totally dependent on the right hand side (even more than usual)
— Adam ⚽️ 🔴⚪️ 🏉 😇 (@AdamGooner10) April 4, 2026
Gabriel Jesus’ statistics vs Southampton
It was always going to be a tough ask for Jesus to rediscover his pre-injury level, and unfortunately for him, it seems as though he won’t. He flashed glimpses immediately after his return, but has been clearly below the level in the last two months.
His display against Southampton encapsulated his issues. When he was in the box, he didn’t have the physicality to make himself a presence. When he dropped deep, his sharp feet weren’t there and he didn’t have the athleticism to then get back into the box.
| Gabriel Jesus vs Southampton Statistics | |
| Minutes Played | 60 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Expected Goals | 0.19 |
| Accurate Passes | 16/18 (80%) |
| Touches in Opposition Box | 6 |
| Touches | 29 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Successful Dribbles | 0/1 (0%) |
Managing just 29 touches in his hour on the pitch, Jesus wasn’t nearly as involved as he usually is. He also managed just two shots and created just one for a teammate, showing how ineffective he was.
It was a night to forget for the former Manchester City man.
