Gabriel Jesus playing with a ‘smile on my face’ again after breaking Arsenal drought | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus was the star man for Arsenal on Saturday as he grabbed his first Premier League goals in almost a year.

The Brazilian scored the opening two goals for the Gunners on their way to a 5-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, having last scored in the competition in January.

Jesus almost had a hat-trick to match the one he scored against the same opposition in midweek as Arsenal advanced to the last four of the League Cup. But his headed effort bounced off the post and fell to Kai Havertz, who put it away for their third.

Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice both scored in the second half to complete the rout and give the side their first win in three games.

Read – Arsenal dealt Saka injury concern against Palace

Gabriel Jesus playing ‘with a smile’ as Arsenal drought ends

“First goal was very important,” Jesus told Sky Sports. “The way we started the game, the whole team was ready to play well and fight.

“They have a strong team with quality players. It is always difficult to come here. We did the job.

“I am happy with the goals, as a No 9 I know the pressure is always on to score goals. Winning the three points was massive today.”

Jesus has endured a tough time with injuries since the beginning of last season, but says he is in a much better place mentally after winning back a starting role in the first team.

“I am the type of guy that wants to work hard,” he said. “I know I can score goals, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action.

“When I play with a smile on my face everything is different. I am trying to keep my mind strong and help the team.

“That’s me, help the team, defend and recover the ball, but I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.”

Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports that rediscovering that self-belief has been key to Jesus’ resurrection this week.

“He has certainly clicked and he needed that to unlock that mentally, his confidence and the belief externally,” the Arsenal manager said. “To score five goals in two games is not easy in football. He has done it in a great way so let’s continue.”

The north London outfit remain third in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Liverpool who have played two games fewer.

Read – Arteta reflects on five years as Arsenal manager

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