Seven months after Raheem Sterling’s Arsenal exit, some supporters believe the club may be witnessing a worrying repeat this time involving another senior attacker.
Arsenal’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest has reignited familiar concerns among the fanbase. With Manchester City dropping points earlier in the weekend, the Gunners missed a golden opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League. Instead of opening a nine-point gap, Arsenal now sit seven points clear a margin that feels far less comfortable given recent attacking performances.
While Mikel Arteta continues to search for solutions, many fans are beginning to question whether certain players have already reached their ceiling at the Emirates.
Who Was Arsenal’s Most Disappointing Player Against Nottingham Forest?
Post-match frustration quickly spilled onto social media, with several Arsenal supporters singling out Martin Ødegaard for criticism.
“Ødegaard just looks like a shadow of the player he used to be.”
“Abysmal performance. Painful to watch.”
Although Ødegaard wasn’t alone in struggling, the captain’s subdued display symbolised a broader issue: Arsenal’s attack lacked creativity, urgency, and cutting edge when it mattered most.
Arsenal Fans Turn on Gabriel Jesus After Another Quiet Cameo
However, it was Gabriel Jesus who became the main talking point after the final whistle.
The Brazilian has only recently returned from injury, but patience among supporters appears to be wearing thin. Introduced as a substitute against Forest, Jesus failed to influence the game — a pattern that has become increasingly familiar.
One fan wrote on X:
“Can we just accept that Gabriel Jesus is finished at the highest level? Havertz should have been on ahead of him.”
Another added:
“That Jesus substitution every game is completely pointless.”
Harsh words, but with a Premier League title on the line, fans are making it clear they expect more impact from experienced players.
“He’s Screaming Raheem Sterling” — A Damaging Comparison
Perhaps the most concerning reaction came when supporters began comparing Jesus’ decline to Raheem Sterling’s ill-fated Arsenal spell.
“He’s never going to reach that level again. This is screaming Raheem Sterling.”
Sterling, once regarded as one of Europe’s elite attackers, saw his influence fade rapidly at Arsenal. Now, some fans fear Jesus is heading down the same path — a player whose reputation outweighs his current contribution.
Even Viktor Gyökeres, who struggled badly against Forest, was defended ahead of Jesus.
“People can criticise Gyökeres, but at least he offers something. Jesus gives us nothing when he comes on.”
“Why do we take Gyökeres off for Jesus? It’s like going down to ten men every time.”
One supporter went even further, calling for a January exit:
“Jesus is a net-negative. We need to move on at all costs.”
Is Gabriel Jesus Really the Problem?
While the criticism is understandable, scapegoating Jesus alone would be unfair.
The 28-year-old striker spent nearly a year out injured, and expecting instant sharpness at Premier League level is unrealistic. Crucially, Jesus actually scored just three league games ago — a respectable return by Arsenal’s current attacking standards.
Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke have all gone longer without finding the net. That points to a wider issue rather than an individual failure.
Arsenal’s attack as a whole is underperforming — lacking fluidity, confidence, and ruthless finishing. These are structural problems that Arteta must address quickly if the title challenge is to stay alive.
Arteta’s Biggest Test Yet
Jesus may not be at his best, but he is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Arsenal cannot afford to waste moments like the Nottingham Forest draw especially when rivals are handing them opportunities.
The pressure is now firmly on Mikel Arteta to find the right balance, restore attacking efficiency, and decide whether sentiment still has a place in a title race.
Because in a season this tight, Arsenal can’t afford another Raheem Sterling situation.
