Gabriel Jesus reveals what’s holding Arsenal back from Premier League glory

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Gabriel Jesus believes Arsenal’s lack of title-winning experience has been the key factor preventing the club from securing Premier League glory over the past three seasons.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Meets podcast, the Brazilian striker drew from his trophy-laden Manchester City days to explain what separates champions from runners-up. Jesus won four Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium before joining Arsenal in 2022.

Experience makes the difference

“After the first one it was easy, you know?” Jesus explained when reflecting on City’s success. “There was a mix of ten or more players (at City) who were very experienced, more than 32 years old, but they all said, ‘ok, I want it’.”

The 27-year-old believes Arsenal’s younger squad composition has been a contributing factor to their near-misses. “Today at Arsenal, it is more young players. Obviously, they never won the Premier League before, but it is coming, I hope, and then everything will change.”

Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and lost the Carabao Cup final earlier this month, continuing their six-year wait for silverware.

Mental pressure takes its toll

According to the Evening Standard, Jesus highlighted how the pressure of previous disappointments affects the squad’s mentality, particularly during crucial periods of the season.

“The club, Mikel deserves it a lot because it is not easy to be in charge of this project. After last three years being second, imagine his head, you know? And the players, the staff. All the three times in this period, let’s say February to end of the season, it stays on our heads,” he said.

The striker pointed to Arsenal’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Wolves in February as an example of how the mental aspect can impact performances. “The other day we draw against Wolves, and then obviously, with all my respect, they are bottom of the table and we are top. We should win this game, and then we draw. We start to think.”

Players need more ownership

Jesus also suggested that Arsenal’s players need to take greater responsibility on the pitch. “The players need to talk more, take more ownership. He passes us the tactics, but on the pitch it is on us to take chances, be free, obviously it is not easy. But I think it is more down to the players than the coach.”

With the March international break ending and Arsenal well-positioned for another title challenge, Jesus remains optimistic that breaking through for that first Premier League triumph will open the floodgates. “We win the first Premier League, then everything will be much easier because the pressure is still there.”