Former City favourites Richard Dunne and Paul Dickov believe Gabriel Jesus’ goal against Sheffield United couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Brazilian hadn’t scored a Premier League goal in nine games, but his early strike against the Blades was enough to secure a 1-0 win.

It was his 73rd City goal in 170 games and his sixth in all competitions this campaign.

Dunne, speaking on our matchday show We’re Not Really Here believes the goal will lift a weight of Jesus’ shoulders.

“He needed that boost,” said Dunne.

“Ferran Torres showed his battling qualities against two defenders and then a simple pass across, then Jesus smashed it in.

“The relief for him must have been huge. He was crying out for a goal, it was great for him to get off the mark again on Saturday and hopefully he can get a run going now.

“He has been rotated around and it works well for City when he’s the number nine - sometimes when you’re desperate for a goal you move around all over the pitch trying too hard.”

Dickov agreed, highlighting that the striker has had obstacles in his way in recent weeks as he tried to discover his best form.

“Unfortunately he picked up COVID and fell ill, but he’s working his way back in the last few weeks,” said Dickov.

“You’ve just got to be mentally strong when you have a lean spell. You just can’t dwell on it.

“If you let things like missing chances play on your mind then it will affect you for the remainder of the game.

“It was important to get the goal early against Sheffield United.

“It was great work from Torres and we spoke before ethe game how important it was for Jesus to get on the scoresheet and he did.

“You have to give Sheffield United some credit for how they defended, they didn’t allow any space between the lines, but as long as we picked up the three points at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”

It took City’s run of victories to 12, including our best ever January (eight wins) and Dunne says the team’s confidence will be soaring at this crucial time of the season.

“The players will be buzzing,” said Dunne.

“When you’re playing games and going on a run, the confidence goes flying high and you can feel the buzz on the training pitch.

“There’s a sort of buzz, the players look unstoppable now. Over the last few months, the form has been very consistent and they’re going from the first minute to the last now.”

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