Gabriel Jesus increased his season’s goal count to three with the victory over Inter Milan.
Gabriel Jesus expressed having “tears in my eyes” after his brace contributed to Arsenal’s 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan, securing their progression to the Champions League knockout stage.
The 28-year-old was making only his third start since his return from an 11-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December.
Jesus, who has been with Arsenal for four seasons, feels he has only played “one and a half or two” seasons, owing to a series of setbacks.
The Brazilian forward has displayed glimpses of his quality since his return, notably scoring in Arsenal‘s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa last month. However, his performance against Inter Milan signaled a return to his peak form.
“It’s a dream night,” Jesus told Amazon Prime, after the Gunners maintained their perfect Champions League record this season, securing their seventh consecutive win in the competition, a club record.
“I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched a lot when I was a kid, especially Serie A. So, to be here in this stadium and score, it brings tears to my eyes because I always dreamed of it.
“There is always a reason for everything that happens, whether it’s good or difficult. I learned that during my 11 months away from the field.
“It is always difficult to play against Inter Milan. We came here last season and lost. Tonight, we played better, we controlled them, but they are a top team and they attack.
“We scored at the end and got the three points. We have to keep going because we have another one at the weekend.”
His two goals ended a run of 10 Champions League games without scoring, with his last goal occurring in a 6-0 win over Lens on 29 November 2023.
Gunners fans have been advocating for Jesus to start since his return to full fitness, as summer signing Viktor Gyokeres struggles with form and goals.
The Swede did score in Milan with a fine curling effort, but his goal, Arsenal‘s late third, was only his second from open play in his past 13 games.
Gyokeres, however, has two goals in his last three games, including a goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Chelsea, while Kai Havertz offers another forward option following his return from a knee injury.
“Everyone wants to start,” Jesus added. “I am a very respectful guy. I am not a kid anymore, I am 28, so I understand football.
“I am very happy Vik came on and scored a goal. I am so happy I scored and Vik scored. I am confident Kai will score when he gets the chance.”
Jesus stars as Arsenal beat Inter for landmark win
This video can not be played
Arsenal depth of quality ‘incredible’ – Arteta
With Gyokeres and Jesus both scoring in Milan, it marked the first time this season two centre-forwards had scored in the same game for the Gunners.
“We have been missing Gabi a lot,” said manager Mikel Arteta. “I think it is going to raise his confidence levels and the team’s because we now have different profiles in that position, like we have with the wingers and in other positions.
“And the fact the players are playing at that level. Viktor [Gyokeres] comes in and makes a great impact in the game and it only makes us better.”
Jesus’ two goals took the former Manchester City frontman to 26 in the Champions League on his 53rd appearance in the competition, with the only Brazilians to reach 25 in fewer games being Neymar (44) and Jardel (45).
“In the end it’s not even about competition between the players [for places]. The words Jesus said, even if the next player comes, he will still score his goal to help the team,” four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf told Amazon Prime.
“These are words I like to hear because they’re coming into a different level now because, yes they are competing, but whoever plays needs to perform.
“If I’m not playing you perform because next game will be easier for me when the team is winning. I like that.”
Wayne Rooney, whose former club Manchester United visit Premier League leaders Arsenal next on Sunday, added: “If I was Gabriel Jesus now I’d be saying, ‘I want to start the game on Sunday’.
“He’s come here, scored two goals and played really well so if I was him, I’d be putting it in the manager’s mind that I really want to play.”
Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
Ask about Arsenal – what do you want to know?
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser