Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he gets a smile on his face after another brilliant display for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
The Brazil international scored twice in the opening 14 minutes of the Gunners' 3-2 EFL Cup win on Wednesday night to fire the visitors to a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were on target for Arsenal with Ismaila Sarr on target for Palace.
The goals were Jesus' first in the league in 2024 and hinted that his midweek exploits had injected self-belief.
The gap between Arsenal and Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏
🔜 Everton and Chelsea Sunday 14:00 GMT
🔜 Spurs and Liverpool Sunday 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21 2024
He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal is important early on. The way we started, the full team played well and were ready to fight. They have a strong squad and quality players and we know it's always difficult to come here. We did the job and we're very happy to score goals at No. 9. I know there is always pressure to score. I'm happy, but the three points today were huge.
“I am someone who wants to work hard. I know my skills. I know I can score. In my mind I can score and I have to put myself in a good position to finish like I did today. I put two in the net and missed that I was going to be dreaming. When I play with a smile on my face, everything is different, so I try to keep my mind strong and help the team. I understand that I have to be more in the box to complete the action.”
Patience pays off.
Jesus to earn a place in the first XI Especially as a striker, he is often positioned on the left flank, so he has to be patient.
He said: “It's great to play more in the team. I have enough experience and know that it's different when a player plays continuously. I'm happy to have more opportunities, but it's up to me to put myself in the right places. This is Arsenal. It's a big club and I know the pressure is on to score the number 9.”
Sarkar is worried about Arsene Wenger.
The only negative on an otherwise perfect evening for Arsenal was Bukkayosaka's withdrawal after 24 minutes with a hamstring injury.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who currently sit three points behind leaders Liverpool with two more games to play, said: “I don't know. I left because I felt something. Clearly not good news. We have to evaluate him.”
Guehi was disappointed by the palace display.
The defeat is a blow to a Palace team that has shown signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.
England defender Marc Guehi believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his side's defeat.
He told PLP: “We're not disappointed. It's not good to lose like that. We've got our heads down and we've got to go again. Every game we have moments that we create for ourselves and today we didn't take them for granted.
“But tonight, I think it's going to be both boxes. When you look back on it, we didn't defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. We must go again. We have to look at the areas where we can improve and take this game with a pinch of salt.”