Alan Shearer names Arsenal player who could step up and replace Bukayo Saka following his injury
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has urged Gabriel Jesus to step up for Arsenal following Bukayo Saka’s injury. Saka, who has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, suffered a hamstring injury during the Gunners' 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, December 21.
The winger was substituted in the 24th minute, but despite his absence, the Gunners delivered an outstanding performance. Leading the charge was Jesus, who scored twice, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice also found the back of the net.
Jesus certainly seems to have rediscovered his form, following up his hat-trick against the same opponents in the Carabao Cup a few days ago with a brace on Saturday.
Despite a convincing result, Saka’s injury remains a significant concern for Mikel Arteta, as the winger has already scored five goals and provided 10 assists in the league this season. He was also seen leaving the stadium on crutches, which underscored Arteta’s admitted worry about the potential severity of the injury.
Shearer, however, believes that with Saka potentially sidelined for an extended period, it is now up to Jesus to rise to the occasion and shoulder the responsibility.
"A big loss for Arsenal when you look at the list (Arsenal’s goalscorers). Not only Saka’s goals but his assists which is why it’s even more important for Jesus to step up and try and replace him," Shearer told the BBC (via Give Me Sport).
After consecutive draws against Fulham (1-1) and Everton (0-0), Arsenal appeared to have returned to form with back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace. The victory brought Arteta’s men within four points of league leaders Liverpool, though the Reds still have two games in hand.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauds Gabriel Jesus’ performance against Crystal Palace
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Jesus’ performance at Selhurt Park. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Crystal Palace equalized through Ismaila Sarr just five minutes later.
However, Jesus struck again to restore Arsenal’s lead, and from that moment, the Gunners maintained control of the game. Arteta credited Jesus’ hard work over the summer, noting that it is finally paying off, and praised his knack for finding the back of the net.
"The beauty of football – these things happen. He’s scored the same amount in 45 appearances in three days, he scored five goals, and he could have scored a hat-trick today. Great credit to him because he’s put so much work into it, so much belief into what he does and he was patient, and he got rewarded," he said (via Arsenal's official website).
After their emphatic win over Palace, the Gunners will kick off their festive fixtures by hosting Ipswich Town on Friday, December 27, before facing Brentford on New Year’s Day.
