‘A touch jaded’: Sky commentator thinks 25-year-old Arsenal man looked tired vs Southampton

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Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith thinks Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus looked tired against Southampton today.

The Gunners came flying out of the blocks at St Mary’s and found an opener just after the 10th minute.

Granit Xhaka smashed the ball past Gavin Bazunu with his weaker foot after a brilliant cross from Ben White.

Mikel Arteta’s men created plenty of decent openings in the first-half, with Jesus going close on a couple of occasions. But Smith thinks the 25-year-old looked a bit tired today after starting on Thursday against PSV.

Smith thinks Jesus looked tired

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of today’s game, the Gunners legend suggested that Arteta could substitute Jesus off due to him looking jaded in the second-half.

“For me, [Jesus] looking a touch jaded,” Smith said.

“It’s been a battle out there and he played most of the game on Thursday, Jesus.

“He’s got Eddie Nketiah on the bench who does look lively these days coming on.”

Arteta did eventually bring Nketiah off the bench for the Gunners, but he replaced Gabriel Martinelli. It came after the Saints found an equaliser through Stuart Armstrong in the 65th minute.

Jesus was in the thick of the action today and will be disappointed to have not got on the scoresheet.

The Brazilian has started in every Premier League game for the Gunners this season but has been rested in the Europa League, apart from the clash against PSV.

Arteta’s men didn’t manage to find a winner today and will be disappointed to drop two points after dominating for most of the game.

The Spaniard will have to think about resting some of his stars over the next three weeks, with games coming thick and fast before the World Cup.