Smith: Goals will come for Jesus, no need to panic

Arsenal should not panic over Gabriel Jesus’ goal drought, according to former striker Alan Smith, who is confident the Brazilian will rekindle his scoring touch sooner rather than later.

Summer-signing Jesus hit the ground running at the Emirates following his move from Manchester City, scoring five goals in his first nine appearances, but has since gone eight games without a goal, stretching back to October 1.

Smith, who scored 115 goals in eight seasons with Arsenal, is adamant Jesus’ drought is not a problem so long as the Gunners continue winning games.

Speaking after Thursday’s 1-0 victory over FC Zurich – Arsenal’s ninth consecutive home victory – Smith told Sky Sports News: “It’s always a bit of a concern when your centre-forward is not scoring, I know what that feeling is like, but you can’t say Jesus is not contributing in other ways.

“Jesus is still busy and productive; he is creating assists and he is still the fulcrum of the attack Arsenal look to; the runs he makes are still excellent.