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Alan Shearer names Premier League signing as a 'game-changer' and it's hard to argue

Alan Shearer names Premier League signing as a 'game-changer' and it's hard to argue

"He’s made a huge difference to that team."

Alan Shearer has called Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus a 'game-changer' following Sunday's 3-0 victory over Brentford.

Mikel Arteta's side returned to the top of the Premier League after a comfortable victory at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Jesus scored the Gunners' second and he's become the focal point of their attack since arriving from Manchester City back in July.

The 25-year-old was praised by former England striker Shearer for not only his ability in front of goal, but his link-up play as well.

"We’ve seen Arteta improve the likes of [Granit] Xhaka, who showed great desire and determination against Brentford, but Jesus is Arsenal’s real game-changer for me," he said on Match of the Day 2.

"His move was seen as his opportunity to be the main man after often being on the bench at City and he has certainly taken it so far.

"Jesus is already a huge part of what Arsenal are about now – it’s not just his goals and creativity that make him so important to them, it’s his relentless energy and willingness to run in behind defences too.

"He’s the game-changer for Arsenal. He’s the one who sets the tone from the front. Defenders hate players who are prepared to run in behind, he does that.

Image
Alamy

"He’s the one who starts the press. You see his movement and his ability too.

"He could have had two or three goals actually. He’s made a huge difference to that team."

Arsenal took the lead inside 17 minutes through a William Saliba header, which caught the Brentford backline out and went in off the post.

Jesus scored a header of his own 11 minutes later to double the lead.

Fabio Vieira, making his first Premier League start after an injury to Martin Odegaard, fired in a third just after the break to seal all three points.

Arsenal famously lost this fixture 2-0 last season and this result shows there is a lot more about them this term.

History was made in added time too. Ethan Nwaneri became the Premier League's youngest ever player at 15 years and 181 days old after replacing Vieira.

The previous record was held by Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who made his top-flight debut for Fulham aged 16 years and 30 days old.

Featured Image Credit: BBC Sport & Alamy

Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Alan Shearer, Premier League