Gabriel Jesús, in shape, smiles better with a little self-confidence

Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant Arsenal performance against Crystal Palace.

Fresh off his hat-trick in the Gunners’ 3-2 EFL Cup win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international scored twice in the first 14 minutes to help propel the visitors to a 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also scored for Arsenal and Ismaila Sarr scored for Palace.

The goals were Jesus’ first in the league in 2024 and he hinted that his midweek exploits had given him a boost of self-confidence.

Arsenal closes distance with Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏

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He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal was very important from the start. The way we started, the whole team was really prepared to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know that it is always difficult to come here. We did the job and I am very happy with the goals as number nine, I know that there is always pressure to score. I’m happy, but the victory, the three points, were huge today.

“I’m the type of person who wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two in the net and missed one that I will be dreaming about. 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 area to finish the action.”

Patience pays off

Jesus has had to be patient to earn a place in the first eleven, especially as a forward, as he has often been deployed in a left wing position.

He added: “It’s great to be back in the team playing more. I have enough experience and I know that when a player plays constantly it is different. I’m happy to have more opportunities, but it’s up to me to put myself in the right spots to score. “It’s Arsenal, it’s a huge club and I know the pressure is there for the number nine to score.”

Saka worries about Arsenal

The only negative aspect of a perfect night for Arsenal was a hamstring injury suffered by Bukayo Saka which forced his withdrawal after 24 minutes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whose team is now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but has played two more games, said: “I don’t know. He had to leave because he felt something. Obviously it’s not good news. We have to evaluate it.”

Guehi disappointed by the Palace exhibition

The defeat was a blow to a Palace team that has been showing signs of resurgence in recent weeks.

England defender Marc Guehi believes carelessness in both areas contributed to his team’s defeat.

He told the PLP: “We are disappointed. It’s not nice to lose like that. Heads are down and we have to continue. There are moments that we create for ourselves in each game, today we didn’t take advantage of them and they did.

“But I think tonight was about both boxes. When we look back, we didn’t defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. “We have to look again at the areas where we can improve and take this game with caution.”