“He is everywhere except where you want him” - Gary Neville says it’s ‘frustrating’ to watch Arsenal duo play after Brighton draw
Gary Neville has said that he struggles, at times, to watch Arsenal forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the pitch. The pundit believes the pair have to improve in order to help the Gunners win the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's men drew 1-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion in their league encounter at the Amex on Saturday (January 4). The Gunners took the lead in the first half thanks to Ethan Nwaneri's 16th-minute opener.
However, the Seagulls were awarded a penalty in the second period and Joao Pedro converted his spot-kick. The north Londoners squandered the chance to close the gap to league leaders Liverpool, who dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
Havertz missed Arsenal's 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year's Day and although Mikel Arteta said he was available ahead of the Brighton clash, the German was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad.
Jesus, who started the fixture, failed to have a meaningful impact, registering just two shots. Speaking about the Arsenal attacking duo on his Sky Sports podcast after the game, Neville said (via Gooner Talk):
"Jesus, I watched him again last night, I actually love Gabriel Jesus, but he is everywhere except where you want him. Havertz is a little bit the same, you want them really in that six-yard box.
"It is just a bit frustrating watching them at times because I think they have got something about them, the journey they are on with the manager, and they will be happy today that Liverpool have dropped points and they are still in it, but they are going to have to improve enormously, I think."
The Gunners will next face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday (January 7).
"I’d break the bank for him" - Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign Premier League striker
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged his former club to sign Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. He believes the Swedish striker could elevate the Gunners to another level.
Multiple reports suggest that the Gunners are in the market for a striker, with Mikel Arteta keen on reinforcing that position. They have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Evan Ferguson, and Isak.
The Swedish forward has impressed for the Magpies, scoring 49 goals in 88 games for the club. While his contract expires only in 2028, Merson believes Isak is worth paying a substantial sum for.
He said on Sky Sports (via GOAL):
“If I was Arsenal and I had the money, I’d go out and buy Isak. I’d break the bank for him. He’s the best of the best, he takes Arsenal to the next level.
“I’m looking at the all-round picture, I’m looking at next season as well. I think if we can get hold of Isak who is the best in the business at the moment, I think that would be a massive coup for the club."
