Gabriel Jesus struggles in FA Cup match
“My wish is to stay at Arsenal. I have a contract as well. I want to extend my contract, I want to stay, I want to win trophies with Arsenal because I came here with a purpose,” stated Gabriel Jesus following a disappointing performance against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup.
On March 8, 2026, Jesus had a challenging outing, marked by a lack of effectiveness on the pitch. He recorded only 35 touches of the ball and lost possession 10 times during the match, leading to a Sofascore rating of just 6.1/10, the lowest among all Arsenal players. This performance raises concerns about his current form and position within the team.
Jesus, who is currently Arsenal’s third-choice striker behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, struggled to make a significant impact. He completed only 71% of his passes and managed to register three shots, with just one hitting the target. His inability to convert a big chance in the second half further highlighted his struggles during the match.
Having missed most of 2025 due to an ACL injury, Jesus’s return to form has been closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. His performance against Mansfield Town has led to discussions about his future at the club, especially considering he is one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players.
Declan Rice commented on the team’s challenges, saying, “Last year, the injuries killed us,” indicating the impact of injuries on the squad’s overall performance. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, noted, “Well, they had issues and they’ve been carrying issues,” suggesting that the team has been dealing with ongoing difficulties that have affected player performances.
Arteta further elaborated, stating, “It was the only time to try to make sure that we can clean those issues that they’re having to start the next sequence of two weeks before the break in the best possible way.” This statement reflects the urgency within the club to address performance issues as they move forward.
As the season progresses, expectations are building regarding Jesus’s future at Arsenal. While he has expressed a desire to remain with the club and extend his contract, the current trajectory of his performance may lead to a reassessment of his role. Details remain unconfirmed, but there are indications that he may be sold in the summer.