A fit Gabriel Jesus smiles better with a bit of self-confidence
Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant Arsenal display against Crystal Palace.
Following his hat-trick in the Gunners’ 3-2 EFL Cup win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international scored twice in the opening 14 minutes to help fire the visitors to victory for 5-1 at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were also fit for Arsenal with Ismaila Sarr for Palace.
The goals were Jesus’ first in the league in 2024 and he suggested his midweek exploits had provided an injection of self-belief.
Arsenal close the gap between Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏
🔜 Everton v Chelsea, Sunday 14:00 GMT
🔜 Spurs – Liverpool, Sunday 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024
He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal was very important early on. The way we started, the whole team was very ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know that we always It’s difficult to come here. We’ve done the job and I’m very happy with the goals as number nine. I know there’s always pressure to score. I’m happy but the win, the three points, was huge today.
“I’m the type of person who wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. N’ I put two in the net and I’ll be dreaming about it. When I play with a smile on my face, it’s different, so I try to keep my mind strong and just help the team. I understand that I have d ‘be more in the box to finish the action”.
Patience pays
Jesus has had to be patient to claim a place in the first eleven, especially as a forward, having often been deployed in a wide left position.
He added: “It’s great to be back in the team playing more. I’ve got enough experience and I know when a player plays consistently it’s different. I’m happy to get more chances but it’s up to me to put myself in the right places to score. It’s the ‘Arsenal, it’s a huge club and I know there’s pressure for me to mark number nine.’
Saka worries for Arsenal
The only negative to a perfect night for Arsenal was a hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka which forced his withdrawal in the 24th minute.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whose side are now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but has played two more games, said: “I don’t know. I had to come off because I felt something. It’s not good news, obviously we have to evaluate it”.
Guehi disappointed by the Palau’s display
The defeat was a blow for a Palace that has been showing signs of resurgence in recent weeks.
England defender Marc Guehi believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his side’s defeat.
He told PLP: “We’re disappointed. It’s not nice to lose like that. Heads go down and we’ve got to get back into it. There’s times we create ourselves in every game, we didn’t catch them today and they did.
“But I think tonight it was about both boxes. When we look back, we didn’t defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. We have to go again, look at the areas we can improve and take this game with a little salt”.
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