Gabriel Jesus signed for Manchester City in the summer from Brazilian side Palmeiras for £27 million. He finally linked up with City in January. The Brazilian made his debut as a substitute on the 21st January in City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Jesus created quite the impact when coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute. He provided a fast paced skilful attacking threat which Spurs struggled to deal with leading to Jesus scoring an offside effort.
The Brazilian made his first start for the club in City’s FA cup 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace putting in a solid performance and setting up the first goal. Jesus started City’s next three games against West Ham, Swansea and Bournemouth scoring three goals and getting one assist.
Injury
Unfortunately against Bournemouth Jesus sustained an injury. He now has been diagnosed with a broken metatarsal bone in his foot. Jesus had surgery on his foot in Barcelona on the 16th of February. However, he is unlikely to be back until after the Premier league season concludes.
Who will fill his boots?
City must now rely on Sergio Aguero and Iheanacho to provide the goals for the remainder of the 2016/17 campaign. Proving hugely problematic for Guardiola’s men as City are still chasing silverware on three separate fronts including the EPL, Champions league and FA cup and with Aguero’s recent poor form and Iheanacho’s lack of experience any sort of silverware this year is seeming less and less likely. Illustrated in Manchester City’s most recent game against championship side Huddersfield. City where held to a 0-0 draw by the Terriers and never really looked like creating any goal scoring opportunities. Aguero is partially to blame for this.
As City only play one striker they depend on said striker to provide a lot of goals for them. However, Aguero has not been doing this, failing to score in seven of his last eight games. Many people have argued this is due to Aguero not fitting the Guardiola style of play. Thus speculation has arisen that Aguero could be on his way out in the summer despite a morale-boosting performance against Monaco.
For now, though, Aguero seems like City’s only hope of rescuing their season with Jesus out for some time. Manchester City’s only other striker is 20-year-old Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho. Iheanacho has just 40 caps for City after being promoted to the senior squad in 2015. The Nigerian scored 12 goals in the process.
Iheanacho impressed in some games but has also gone missing in a few of his appearances and for a side like Manchester City who are looking to challenge for the Premier League title and win the Champions League, an inconsistent and inexperienced striker is not what they need. Although the youngster may someday be on par with the best strikers in Europe, he is some years away from reaching that level. This leaves City trusting in out of form striker Aguero to supply the goals.
However, the City manager does not seem too worried about losing Jesus for the remainder of the season. While on the surface Pep does not seem to concern about being without the Brazilian for the remainder of the season, questions must be being raised as to whether or not Guardiola believes Aguero, who is the logical replacement for Jesus, despite his recent run of bad form, can guide City to success this season.
Without Jesus
Manchester City hosted Monaco in the last 16 of the Champions League last Tuesday in their second game without Jesus. In Gabriel’s absence, the line-up was led by Aguero. He did not disappoint as City eventually saw off challengers Monaco. City were 2-1 down at half time but they fought back to eventually win 5-3 in a thrilling encounter. Aguero bagged two goals and set up Sane for City’s fifth.
Whilst this seems like a positive sign for the Sky Blues, it must be noted that Monaco put in a less than stellar defensive performance and realistically was one of the weaker defensive performances Man City will encounter this season. Largely due to the French sides over-reliance on playing attacking football. Even when 2-1 up Monaco still continued to press City which eventually allowed them back into the game.
Monaco’s goalkeeper did not have the best performance. One of his mistakes involved him spilling into his own net a simple shot from Aguero.
City have a tough run of games commencing in a few weeks. Including games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. These games could be a much better indicator as to whether or not Jesus’ injury will prove to be a fatal blow to Manchester City’s season. It could also decide if they have any chance of capturing the Premier League title this season.
