Gabriel Jesus returned a few games ago now after coming off the bench against Fulham in the 3-0 win. The debate at the time quickly became how Leandro Trossard could dare lose his place after his brilliant form and creativity that has peaked at seven assists since January.
However, in Jesus’ last two games, the Brazilian has scored three goals including the Gunners’ second at Anfield. One of the criticisms of Arsenal strikers of the past was the lack of goals in the big away games but his goal on Sunday, the performance at Stamford Bridge and both Brentford and Crystal Palace trips showcased the step up in Arsenal's capability with him in the side.
Previous forwards looked isolated, in particular Olivier Giroud and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Jesus yearns for the ball and is willing to put in the work to get it.
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His goal showed learning from his header against Leeds United which he miscued and it sailed over. This time judging his leap perfectly to head the ball down into the ground past Alisson.
However, taking away the goal, there was one moment in the game which showed the confidence, class and glorious arrogance of his game to give Arsenal a great chance which sadly came to nothing.
After an attempted Liverpool cross, Gabriel Magalhães rose to head the ball high and clear. It dropped into the path of both Thiago and Gabriel Jesus and what the Brazilian pulled off was magical.
As the ball drops he cushions it first with his right to take it slightly away from the Spaniard before using his right foot quickly again to loop the ball both over him and Thiago to the other side. He spots the run of Gabriel Martinelli through the left wing, takes a cushioned touch with his upper thigh before making a no-look volleyed lofted ball through to his international teammate.
The noises made by Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher in commentary well summed up the move. It also emulated to some degree what the majority of viewers were also doing.
This does not look like a player just months out of major knee surgery. This looks like the most confident, the most motivated and galvanised version of Gabriel Jesus seen yet.
If Arsenal are to win the league, the return of the club’s new number nine is sure to have a massive hand in that achievement. The Gunners were without Jesus for the visit of Manchester City, in addition to Thomas Partey, they will go to the Etihad Stadium in three weeks with their former number nine ready to show why the Citizens were naïve to let him go.
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