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Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has revealed reasons why he was not happy despite his brace and a victory for the team on Saturday.
THE LOWDOWN: QUICK-FIRE START
Arsenal announced the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City early last month, a marquee signing and one that has grown to be a popular figure in the dressing room. For the fans, he has excited them since joining the side and it seems it is a marriage made in heaven.
During the preseason games, the Brazilian, who had a stellar career at Manchester City, announced himself to the fans with some breathtaking performances in the US tour and the Emirates Cup against Sevilla. In total, he scored seven goals in pre-season and the 25-year-old made his competitive debut for Arsenal in the win over Palace some weeks back.
In his first competitive appearance in front of the Arsenal faithful at the Emirates Stadium, the forward stole the show by scoring twice and assisting a further two in the six-goal thriller. Despite the feat, the Brazillian was not satisfied at the end of the game.
THE LATEST: HUNGER FOR MORE
Gabriel Jesus had a near-perfect afternoon with four-goal contributions but was disappointed not to have recorded more than that number.
The Brazil international had a total of seven efforts on goal during his 84 minutes on the pitch and lead the line with such energy that manager Mikel Arteta remarked in his post-game press conference, “I wouldn’t like to play against him.”
After putting the Gunners ahead with a delightful chip, Jesus doubled the lead with his head 12 minutes later and came very close to a third before the break when he brilliantly controlled a long ball by Aaron Ramsdale, before a combination of Wilfried Ndidi and goalkeeper Danny Ward denied him.
The chance was still on his mind after the game when Sky Sports asked if he should have taken the match ball home.
“For sure, I work all day, every day to score goals and to help,” he said.
“The ball from Aaron [in the first half], I did well [to control] but when I went to shoot the defender come back quick. After, I had another chance which I could have scored.
“I’m a little bit sad because of this but I’m so happy, you know, not just because of the goals but because of the way the team are playing. In the difficult moments, we conceded two goals, but we keep playing well and try always to score.”
While Jesus wasn’t starved of minutes at Manchester City – he averaged an hour on the pitch across his 41 appearances last season – he wasn’t charged with being the club’s main number 9.
It’s clear already at Arsenal that, alongside Eddie Nketiah, he will have far more responsibility. It’s a challenge he’s relishing.
“A lot, a lot,” he replied when asked if he’s enjoying himself at the Emirates.
“I was not unhappy at City, I was just wanting to play, I understand the club, I understand the manager, but sometimes players want to play and I’m the same.
“Here I come, train every day, me and Eddie [Nketiah] finishing, he has a lot of quality, a lot of confidence to play as well, I think Arsenal have two good strikers.”
THE VERDICT: GOOD BRAZILIAN CONNECT
Last season, Gabriel Magalhaes started all but three of Arsenal’s Premier League games, playing more minutes than any of his teammates and making his presence felt in both boxes. In the end, he scored five goals for the team. The environment at the Emirates must have helped namesake and compatriot Gabriel Jesus settle in quickly.
Gabriel Martinelli has also enjoyed a flying start to the new campaign, with two goals from two games and is looking to maintain a prolific run in front of goal.
Meanwhile, this season, all three Gabriels, are expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s season and hopefully, it will end with a top-four finish and who knows, maybe something better.
Two goals and two assists made for a very decent day at the office for Gabriel Jesus but the player admits he should have had a hat-trick after failing to convert several other opportunities during Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester.
