Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the early impact of Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal, urging fans to maintain perspective amid comparisons to Erling Haaland, the man who succeeded Jesus at Manchester City.
In a video on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand praised Jesus for his impressive start at North London but cautioned against excessive hype from Arsenal supporters. He emphasized that while Jesus has undoubtedly been a significant signing for Arsenal, it’s important not to overlook Haaland’s prolific form at Manchester City.
Ferdinand’s remarks come as Arsenal is enjoying a strong start to the Premier League season, currently sitting just two points behind the league leaders. Jesus has been a key contributor to their early success, with two goals and three assists in his first five league appearances for the club.
The Brazilian striker’s impact has been lauded by fans and pundits alike, with many touting him as a potential contender for the Premier League’s golden boot award. His £45 million move to Arsenal has certainly raised expectations, and manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that players arriving from successful clubs often carry the weight of high expectations with them.
Arteta also noted the adjustment required when transitioning from one club to another, especially when a player is used to a different role. In Gabriel Jesus’s case, he has had to adapt to a new environment and a different set of responsibilities at Arsenal. Arteta commended Jesus for his rapid adaptation but stressed the importance of sharing the responsibility for the team’s success.
Ferdinand, however, sought to temper the enthusiasm surrounding Jesus’s performances by highlighting Haaland’s remarkable start at Manchester City. The Norwegian striker, who replaced Jesus at City, has already netted six goals, including a Premier League hat-trick that garnered significant attention. Ferdinand urged fans not to overshadow Haaland’s achievements, emphasizing that both players deserve recognition for their respective contributions to their new clubs.
