Gabriel Jesus back for Arsenal with first goals since October
The Brazilian striker was back on the scoresheet against Leeds United and will be crucial to the Gunners’ title run-in.
Arsenal reasserted their position at the top of the Premier League with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Leeds United. Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the Gunners’ win, with Ben White and Granit Xhaka also on the scoresheet.
It was Jesus who opened the scoring with his first goal since returning from knee injury. He added a second after halftime to secure the points for his side.
The Brazilian was making his first league start for Mikel Arteta’s side since 12 November. He picked up a knee injury while playing for Brazil ahead of the World Cup and only returned to the pitch last month after three months on the sidelines.
Saturday’s brace were Jesus’ first goals for Arsenal since a 3-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 1 October.
Arteta delighted with Jesus’ return
One of the most impressive parts of Arsenal’s unlikely title charge this season has been their ability to cope without the presence of their senior centre forward. Jesus was a revelation at the start of the season but Arteta has managed to find solutions without the Brazilian’s presence up top.
Speaking after the win over Leeds, Arteta was delighted to have Jesus back in the team.
“I’m so happy for him and everybody that contributed [to his return]. He brings that quality and unpredictability to the squad,” Arteta said.
“It was a tricky game and a tricky opponent, but overall I think we deserved to win the game,” he continued. “They played with a lot of organisation and desire. We had a couple of moments when we lost the ball in dangerous areas.”
Arsenal have a free week before their next Premier League match, a trip to Anfield on Sunday, 9 April. Arteta knows that victory against Liverpool would leave his side in a very strong position with eight games to play.