Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant display 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 netted twice inside the opening 14 minutes to help propel 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 hinted his midweek exploits had provided an injection of self-belief.
Arsenal close 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. The way we started, the full team was really ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know it is always difficult to come here. We did the job and I am very happy with the goals as a number nine, I know the pressure is always on to score. I am happy but the win, the three points, was massive today.
“I’m the type of guy that 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. I put two in the net and missed one I will be dreaming of. When I play with a smile on my face everything is different so I am trying to keep my mind strong and just help the team. I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.”
Patience pays off
Jesus has had to be patient to claim a place in the first XI, especially as a striker, having often been deployed in a wide-left position.
He added: “It is great to be back in the team playing more. I am experienced enough and know when a player is playing constantly it is different. I am happy to get more chances but it is up to me to put myself in the right places to score. It is Arsenal, it is a huge club and I know the pressure for the number nine to score is there.”
Saka worry for Arsenal
The only negative on an otherwise perfect evening for Arsenal was a hamstring injury suffered by Bukayo Saka that forced his withdrawal 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 come off because he felt something. It is not good news obviously. We have to assess him.”
Guehi disappointed by Palace display
The defeat was a blow for a Palace side that have been showing signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.
England defender Marc Guehi believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his team’s defeat.
He told PLP: “We’re disappointed. It’s not nice to lose that way. Heads are down and we have to go again. There’s moments we create for ourselves every single game, today we didn’t take them and they did.
“But I think tonight it was about both boxes. When we look back on it 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 pinch of salt.”