“I think he raises the bar. The way he trains every day, the way he communicates, the way they (the players) connect, I think it’s very natural, but at the same time it’s quite impressive to do it so quickly. » That’s what Mikel Arteta said of Gabriel Jesus on Saturday after the Gunners’ second victory in two Premier League games against Leicester (4-2). It must be said that the 25-year-old striker impressed again against the Foxes by being involved in each achievement of his team (2 goals, 2 assists). Thus confirming his excellent preparation (7 goals in 5 games) and his express integration.
Gabriel Jesus, recruited for €52m from Manchester City, has the heavy task of replacing both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left for Barça last January, and Alexandre Lacazette, who returned to Lyon this summer. Many observers have expressed their skepticism as to the ability of the Brazilian international (56 caps, 19 goals) to string together the goals like pearls with Arsenal, and thus to become the goleador so much sought after by the North London management. Difficult to give them reason with regard to the prowess achieved by the new n°9 of the Gunners on the meadow.
An already major influence, on and off the pitch
Also holder on the lawn of Crystal Palace (2-0) during the 1st day of PL, Gabriel Jesus had not found the net. But, as against Leicester, he was very efficient, offering many solutions to his partners, knocking down very heavy pressing and great recovery efforts on the attacking front. His warrior mentality, his grit and his above-average technical qualities, as evidenced by his superb first goal against the Foxes, have already enabled him to put the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal fans in his pocket.
Our colleagues from The Athletic We also learn that the Spanish manager of Arsenal has appointed two players to support Martin Ødegaard in his new role as club captain: Granit Xhaka and … Gabriel Jesus. Proof that the former protege of Pep Guardiola has already grown in just 6 weeks in the ranks of the Red and Whites. “The biggest difference since I’ve worked with him before is probably his maturity. Obviously, a few years have passed, a few experiences, […] his language has improved so much. He has a different role here, it feels right away.said Mikel Arteta at a press conference on Friday.
Jesus starts very strong with Arsenal
“We know what he can doalso explained the Spaniard after the victory against Leicester. He scored two goals, he gave up two and he’s still disappointed in the dressing room because he says he could have scored four. It’s the level, it’s the mentality. If you want to take it to another level, you need this mentality. I wouldn’t like to play against him. I’ve never been a defender, but I can’t imagine what it would be like (laughs). He is so mobile, so intuitive, always lively and proactive to play at any time and in any phase of the game. He is a real threat. »
His partner, Granit Xhaka, also recognized all the good that “Gabigoal” does to the Gunners, just after the success against Leicester. “It wasn’t just his first goal, but his overall performance was incredible. Two goals, two assists… the job he does for the team is amazing and we are more than happy. I’m more than happy for him because I think it’s very important to score at home. » Unlike Manchester City, Arsenal gave him the keys to the truck and brought him to North London as their No.1 goalscorer. If, for the moment, Gabriel Jesus prefers to recall that the Gunners have “two good attackers” (with Eddie Nketiah), difficult to imagine, at this rate, the Englishman taking Auriverde out of the starting XI. What if Arsenal finally had, in Jesus, their providential serial scorer?
