Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he “put a smile on his face” after another impressive display for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
After another hat-trick in Arsenal's 3-2 EFL Cup win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international scored twice in the first 14 minutes to help the visitors to a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice scored for Arsenal, while Ismaila Sarr scored for Palace.
The goals were Jesus' first in the league in 2024, and he hinted that his midweek achievements provided a dose of self-confidence.
Arsenal closes the gap with Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏
🔜 Everton vs. Chelsea, Sunday at 14:00 GMT
🔜 Tottenham vs Liverpool, Sunday at 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024
He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal was very important early on. The way we started, the whole team was ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team, good players and we know it's always difficult to come here. We did the job and I Very happy with the goals as number nine, and I know the pressure is always to score. I'm happy but the three points were massive today.
“I'm the type of person that wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, all I have to do is put myself in a good position to finish the game like today. I put two goals into the net and missed one. I'll be dreaming.” “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 have to be more present in the penalty area to finish the job.”
Patience pays off
Jesus has had to be patient to earn a place in the starting lineup, especially as a striker, as he is often deployed in a wide left position.
He added: “It is great to be back in the team and play more.” I have enough experience and I know that it is different when a player plays constantly. I'm happy to get more chances but it's up to me to put myself in the right positions to score. “It's Arsenal, it's a big club and I know the pressure is on the No. 9 to score there.”
Saka is worried about Arsenal
The only negative on an otherwise perfect evening for Arsenal was a hamstring injury suffered by Bukayo Saka that forced him to be withdrawn after 24 minutes.
“I don't know. He had to leave because he felt something. It's obviously not good news. We have to evaluate him,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, whose side are now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but have played two more games.
Guehi is disappointed by the palace's offer
The defeat was a blow to a Palace team that had shown signs of recovery in recent weeks.
England defender Mark Guehi believes confusion in both areas contributed to his team's defeat.
He told the PLP: “We're disappointed. It's not nice to lose like that. Heads are down and we have to go again. There are moments we create for ourselves in every game, today we didn't take advantage of them and they did.”
“But I think it was about the two boxes tonight. When we look at it, we didn't defend well and a big team like Arsenal will punish you. We have to go back and look at areas where we can improve and approach this game with a bit of caution.”
