Time running out for listless Gabriel Jesus after another chance to impress Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta passed him by during win over Southampton

By the hour mark, Mikel Arteta had seen enough. The score was 1-1. Time for a triple substitution to shake things up.

Off went Raheem Sterling, Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus. On came Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard. Eight minutes later, Martinelli scored from a Bukayo Saka cross to set Arsenal on their way to victory over Southampton.

Jesus, who had made his first start of the season, could only watch. He is the Arsenal nearly man who always seems to be on the verge of turning the corner — but never quite does.

He was out recently with a groin injury but a starting spot for the Brazilian would have been unlikely in previous matches owing to the form of Kai Havertz.

Jesus’ career at Arsenal has felt stop-start ever since he signed for £45million from Manchester City in 2022, which seemed like a coup at the time.

Injuries have been a constant, with recurring knee problems since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

That has been difficult to deal with and Jesus has been given time to hit top form. 

But Saturday felt like another chance that passed him by. The 27-year-old did not have a shot on target and his movement was lacking. He had just five touches in the box and one attempted dribble.

Jesus’ inability to trouble a team who are yet to win in the Premier League this season will concern Arteta.

It is not that he isn’t a capable player. He has the ability to attack directly or skilfully dribble in from out wide — he is no one-trick pony and shows moments of class now and then.

Arsenal’s view all summer was that the return of a fully-fit Jesus meant a striker was not the top priority in the transfer window, but on recent evidence he has not met those expectations.

The time for Jesus to turn that corner is running out.