Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Jesus has 'turned a corner' after Arsenal striker shows clinical side

Evening Standard

·21 December 2024

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Jesus has 'turned a corner' after Arsenal striker shows clinical side

The Arsenal boss has heaped praise on the striker following a difficult period

Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Jesus has turned a corner after the Arsenal striker terrorised Crystal Palace for the second time in four days.

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Jesus scored a hat-trick against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as the Gunners beat them 3-2 to book a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Brazilian followed that up on Saturday by bagging a brace against Palace as Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners to move within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Before this week, Jesus had been struggling and he had scored just twice this year - but Arteta believes his fortunes could now be about to improve.

“That’s the beauty of football - things change,” said Arteta. “I think he scored the same amount in four days as in 45 appearances and he could have scored a hat-trick again.

“Great credit to him because he’s put so much work and belief in to what he does. He was patient and he got rewarded.

“You have to prepare for your opportunity, that’s it. If you fail to prepare then it's not going to happen. That's clear.

On a roll: Gabriel Jesus’ hot streak in front of goal continued against Crystal Palace.

AFP via Getty Images

“You want it, you want it early and sometimes it’s not going to happen and you don’t see the rewards. It’s like going to the gym and looking in the mirror after one week or one month.

“Sometimes it needs more time and suddenly everybody is saying you look much better, you’re looking healthier and now good things happen so I think it’s a good example to understand what Gabi has done.”

Arteta showed faith in Jesus by keeping him as Arsenal’s No9 for the second game in a row and moving Kai Havertz to midfield.

Jesus revelled in what was another chance for him to shine and he was only denied a hat-trick when his header hit the post.

And asked if this week is a turning point for Jesus, Arteta said: “It has to be.

“We have to push him and let him go and be behind him. He’s had some difficult moments and as a striker that’s not easy because you get a lot of spotlight.

“But credit to him as well because his work ethic, the way he came back in the summer he was a completely different player. Now he’s being rewarded. Sometimes it takes time.”