Arsenal star striker Gabriel Jesus has admitted to feeling more "free" on the pitch under Mikel Arteta compared to playing under Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian spent five years playing under the Spaniard at the Etihad Stadium, winning nine trophies in his time at Manchester City.
However, with time dwindling on his contract and the desire for a new challenge, he made the £45million switch to the Emirates Stadium in the summer and has hit the ground running. Four goals and three assists in seven Premier League appearances has seen the 25-year-old earn plenty of plaudits.
"I wouldn't like to play against him," Arteta said of his new striker. "I have never been a defender but I can imagine that they don't enjoy it. He's so mobile, so intuitive and is always sharp and proactive to play in any moment and any phase of the game and he's a real threat."
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Jesus' inclusion has handed the Gunners a new dimension in the forward department, leaving them top of the Premier League come the first international break. They will have to continue their fine form - beginning with the North London Derby at home to Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime - but there have already been plenty of managers and ex-Arsenal figures suggesting they could be in the title fight.
That would see Arteta and Jesus come up against Manchester City in the race to the top, with both previously working under Guardiola. While the current manager was an assistant to his Spanish compatriot, there is a difference between how they both manage their respective sides.
Speaking to ESPN Jesus explained this difference, saying: "It is different here at Arsenal [compared to Manchester City]. The football is different - different players, different ways to play.
"At City, it was different. The striker didn't touch the ball that much, you see this by watching the games. And, when it was time to touch the ball, it was not the striker, because [Guardiola] ended up putting a midfielder to come closer. OK, fine. So, I decided to change.
"I talked a lot with Arteta about Arsenal's style," Jesus added. "He knows me, I know him, I understood what he wanted from me. Now, I'm free on the pitch, playing football with a smile on my face and trying to do my best all the time."
It remains to be seen whether that freedom can help both of them pip their former side to the title of champions this season, but it has certainly put them on the right path early on.
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