Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player as he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant Arsenal performance against Crystal Palace.
Fresh from his hat-trick in the Gunners’ 3-2 EFL Cup win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international scored twice within the first 14 minutes to help the visitors to a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also scored for Arsenal, while Ismaila Sarr scored for Palace.
The goals were Jesus’ first in the league in 2024 and he suggested his midweek heroics had boosted his confidence.
Arsenal is closing in on Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏
🔜 Everton v Chelsea, Sunday, 2pm GMT
🔜 Spurs v Liverpool, Sunday, 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024
He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal early on was very important. The way we started, the whole team was really ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know that it is always difficult to come here. We did the job and I’m very happy with the goals as number nine. I know there is always a lot of pressure to score. I’m happy, but the win, the three points, were huge today.
“I’m the type of guy who wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my head I know I can score, I just need to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two in the net and missed one, which I will dream about. When I play with a smile on my face everything is different, so I try to keep a strong spirit and just help the team. I understand that I need to be in the box more to finish the action.”
Patience pays off
Jesus had to be patient to secure a place in the first eleven, especially as a striker, often deployed in a wide-left position.
He added: “It’s great to be back in the team and playing more. I have enough experience and know that it is different when a player plays all the time. I’m happy to have more opportunities, but it’s up to me to put myself in the right places to score points. It’s Arsenal, it’s a huge club and I know the pressure is there on the number nine to score.”
Saka is worried about Arsenal
The only negative on an otherwise perfect evening for Arsenal was a hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka, which forced him to withdraw after 24 minutes.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, whose side are now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but have played two games more, said: “I don’t know. He had to pull away because he felt something. This is obviously not good news. We have to judge him.”
Guehi is disappointed with the palace’s performance
The defeat was a blow to a Palace side who have shown 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 are disappointed. It’s not nice to lose like that. Our heads are down and we have to get going again. There are moments that we create for ourselves in every single game. We didn’t use them today, but they did.
“But I think tonight was about both boxes. Looking back, we didn’t defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. We need to look forward again, look at the areas where we can improve and take this game with caution.”
