Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant performance for Arsenal 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 in the opening 14 minutes to help the visitors to a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were also on target for Arsenal with Ismaila Sarr netting for Palace.
The goals were Jesus’ first in the league in 2024 and he suggested his midweek exploits had provided a boost of confidence.
Arsenal are closing the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏
🔜 Everton v Chelsea, Sunday 14:00 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 was very important early on. The way we started, the full team was really ready to play well and compete. They have a strong squad and quality players and we know it’s always difficult to come here. We did the job and I’m very happy with the goals as a number nine, I know the pressure is always on 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 qualifications. 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. 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 my mind strong and just help the team. I understand that I need to be more in the frame to complete the action.”
Patience pays off
Jesus has had to be patient to claim a place in the starting line-up, especially as a striker, having often been deployed in a wide left position.
He added: “It’s great to be back in the team playing more. I’m quite experienced and I know when a player plays continuously it’s different. I’m happy to have more chances, but it’s up to me to put myself in the right positions to score. It’s Arsenal, they’re a massive club and I know there’s pressure on the number nine to score.”
Xhaka is worried about Arsenal
The only negative to an otherwise perfect night for Arsenal was an injury suffered by Bukayo Saka which forced his withdrawal after 24 minutes.
Arsenal manager 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 leave because he felt something. Not good news obviously. We have to evaluate him.”
Guehi disappointed by the palace display
The defeat was a blow to a Palace team that had shown signs of resurgence in recent weeks.
England defender Marc Guehi believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his side’s defeat.
He told the PLP: “We are disappointed. It’s not nice to lose like that. Heads are down and we have to go again. There are moments that we create for ourselves every game, today we didn’t get them and they got it.
“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 have to go again, look at the areas we can improve and take this game with a grain of salt.”
