Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left impressed with Gabriel Jesus after a brilliant display from the Brazilian in a 4-2 win over Leicester City at the weekend.
THE LOWDOWN: OFF TO A PERFECT START
Gabriel Jesus joined the Gunners as their marquee signing over the summer, switching to the Emirates from Manchester City in a £45m move.
The 25-year-old already showed signs of what is to come, with seven goals in pre-season. Against Crystal Palace, Jesus was not on the scoresheet but was among the top performers as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in their season opener at Selhurst Park.
It was a different story in his home debut, as Jesus marked that in style with two goals and two assists as Arsenal claimed a 4-2 win at the Emirates.
His first goal was simply special while his second goal showed brilliant movement that is characteristic of the forward.
Jesus was also involved in the other two Arsenal goals, laying on the third for Granit Xhaka and also creating the assist for compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, who has now scored in three Premier League games for the first time in his career.
The 25-year-old could have bagged a hat-trick and was applauded off when substituted late on.
STARTING ON A POSITIVE NOTE
Mikel Arteta had nothing but words of praise for his forward and says the Brazilian has raised the standard at the club, following his brilliant displays.
“We know what Gabi can do. He scored two and got two assists and is still disappointed because he thinks he should have scored four,” said Arteta, who worked with Jesus during his time as assistant manager at Manchester City.
“That’s the standard, that’s the mentality. You need to go to a different level.”
The Leicester defenders had a tough time trying to keep Jesus quiet and Arteta was quick to notice his forward’s stellar all-round play.
“I wouldn’t like to play against him. I’ve never been a defender, but I can imagine I wouldn’t enjoy it. He’s so mobile, so intuitive, always sharp and proactive to play in any moment and phase in the game, and it’s a real threat,” Arteta added.
“I think it lifts the standards the way every day he is, the way he’s talking to [his team mates], the way they are connecting. I think it’s very natural, but at the same time, it’s pretty impressive to do it that quickly.”
ARSENAL NOW HAVE A PROPER STRIKER
It was easy to see that Jesus fell at home at Arsenal from day one, not just because of the Brazilian contingent present but also because of the fact that his profile perfectly suited Arteta’s style of play.
The 25-year-old is now showing that his pre-season goals were no fluke and it can only get better from here. Two goals in front of the home fans is the perfect way to start and that should give him much confidence as well.
Arsenal fans can genuinely get excited because the club struck gold with the signing of Jesus. It’s still early days and maybe it’s only Leicester (with all due respect), only injuries can stop Jesus from shining further at this point.
