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Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards reckons Arsenal attacker Gabriel Jesus didn't live up to expectations. The Gunners finished two points behind City in the Premier League.
Jesus, 27, endured an underwhelming second campaign at the Emirates, contributing eight goals and as many assists in 36 gaames across competitions. Most of those goal contributions - four goals and five assists in 27 games - came in the league.
Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast (via Metro) that Mikel Arteta's side need a bonafide striker to challenge City, noting Jesus' failings:
"They need a striker. In certain moments, in big games Man City have got an array of talent that can change games. I think Arsenal have done that at times with (Leandro) Trossard.
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"I think Jesus has not lived up to the expectations of what we all thought. So they need a striker and a defensive midfielder as well to play in there with Declan Rice, but apart from that, I think they’re all good.
Acknowledging the Gunners' growth compared to the 2022-23 season, Richards concluded:
"They need to buy quality rather than quantity so that they don’t disrupt the team too much. But I think they’ve had an astonishing season and are up against Man City who are top of the tree so they can be proud of themselves. Definitely an improvement from last season."
The Gunners fell short in their bid to end their 20-year Premier League title drought.
A look at Arsenal's 2023-24 season
Arsenal have had an impressive 2023-24 season despite falling short to Manchester City in the Premier League for the second straight year.
They went into the final day needing a win at home to Everton and hoping that City slipped up at the Etihad to West Ham United. While the Gunners did their part of the bargain, City's win meant that the win couldnt take Mikel Arteta's side back to the summit.
The Gunners fell early in both domestic cups but fared well in the UEFA Champions, where they reached their first quarterfinal in 14 years, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.
