Arsenal’s hat-trick hero Gabriel Jesus set for another battle with Crystal Palace
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope that his team can get back to winning ways in the Premier League following two consecutive draws.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Gabriel Jesus expects “another war” with Crystal Palace on Dec 21, after the Arsenal forward led the charge with a second-half hat-trick in a 3-2 comeback win to reach the League Cup semi-finals on Dec 18.
The Gunners, third in the table, will look to pick up their first English Premier League win in three matches when they visit 15th-placed Palace. The home side are unbeaten in their last five league games.
“They have a lot of qualities up front, down the middle, at the back, so we have to compete,” Jesus told Arsenal’s official website as he looked ahead to the rematch.
“We know it’s not easy, like (in the League Cup quarter-finals), they have quality players, a strong team. That will be another war, and we’ll have to try to win the game.”
The Brazilian, who despite his heroics has yet to score a Premier League goal this season, also said that walking out with his daughter gave him strength.
He dedicated the hat-trick to the baby he announced his partner was expecting the day before the Cup match.
“I had pressure on my shoulders to score, and then I walked onto the pitch with my daughter, so she gave me power, a smile, everything,” the 27-year-old added.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had said that Jesus is “back to his best” and it would be a surprise if the striker does not start or at least play some part against Palace.
Momentum is key, especially as the Cup victory was a boost to the Gunners following two consecutive league draws against Fulham (1-1) and Everton (0-0).
Arteta’s men have failed to capitalise on leaders Liverpool’s own setbacks and the Reds, who have a game in hand, are six points ahead of them in the title race.
The Spaniard celebrated his fifth year as Arsenal manager on Dec 20, and was asked if he has projected how the next five years will pan out for him.
“No. I think you have to live in the present,” said Arteta, who has won one FA Cup and two Community Shields during his time in charge of the Gunners.
“You have to plan for what is coming in the mid and long term, that’s for sure. But the energy has to be in the moment. Understanding how things are working and putting more processes in place to make the right decisions.
“I think I have changed. It’s gone so fast. I enjoyed every minute of it... (including) the bumps on the road, I love that. Just try to give your best version every single day.”
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined with injury, while Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori are available for selection. Oleksandr Zinchenko could “probably” be involved as well, Arteta added.
Palace head into the match following last weekend’s 3-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, they are just four points clear of the relegation zone, and have won just one Premier League home match this season. REUTERS
