Mikel Arteta delighted for Gabriel Jesus, as Brazilian back among the goals
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Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their third goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the return of Gabriel Jesus to his forward line must feel like a new signing.
The Brazilian was back in the starting line-up on Saturday for the first time in the English Premier League since November and struck twice in a 4-1 win over Leeds United.
The former Manchester City attacker, who suffered a knee injury at the World Cup, was substituted in the second half and left the pitch to a standing ovation.
Former England striker Alan Shearer said on the BBC: “Arsenal had to be patient with Jesus’ injury and that has worked – he looked very sharp. Arsenal are looking good.
“Man City have the bigger squad but Arsenal keep winning games. It is going to be an exciting run-in.”
His first goals in six months helped the Gunners restore their eight-point lead over City in the title race and with nine games remaining, the London side are close to winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004. The Gunners have played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s team.
There are several tough hurdles still to overcome and Arteta’s squad are being stretched by injuries and illness, but Jesus being back is a massive tonic.
“Delighted for him. They all were. We were all clapping for him,” Arteta told reporters.
“He’s been working so hard for the last four or five months with a lot of support from the team and the staff. Today, he deserved the chance to start.
“He grabbed the opportunity with a lot of conviction and with two goals.”
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin added on BBC Radio: “Jesus missed a big chance but then took no hesitation in stepping up and taking that penalty.
“It’s a huge moment for Arsenal and for Jesus himself. It’s games like these when you need your big players.”
Sickness meant Arsenal’s in-form Bukayo Saka was only on the bench on Saturday while Ben White, who scored their second goal, was also struggling but managed to start. Granit Xhaka scored the Gunners’ other goal while Rasmus Kristensen bagged a consolation for Leeds.
Centre-back William Saliba was also ruled out through injury, as was forward Eddie Nketiah, who has played such a key role while Jesus was recovering from injury. Yet, despite being off the pace in the first half, Arsenal again showed the kind of togetherness and spirit that will be hugely important in the nervous weeks ahead.
“We are really looking forward to it,” Arteta said of the challenge.
Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (centre right) scores their third goal, against Leeds United.
PHOTO: AFP
On the depth of his squad, he said: “First of all the players have to feel trust, that we trust them. They need to feel that confidence.
“The players have to have the chance, and they need to be preparing to perform in the right way to have the chance like Rob (Holding) did and to actually perform.
“I’m really happy. We need everybody. We’ve had long-term injuries and the team need to somehow find a way to keep winning and keep performing.” REUTERS
