Mikel Arteta delivers Gabriel Jesus verdict as Arsenal boss makes Myles Lewis-Skelly admission

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Evening Standard

·12 December 2024

Mikel Arteta delivers Gabriel Jesus verdict as Arsenal boss makes Myles Lewis-Skelly admission

Gunners take huge step towards Champions League progress with 3-0 win over Monaco

Mikel Arteta praised Gabriel Jesus for his performance as Arsenal took a huge step towards automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.

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The Gunners beat Monaco 3-0 to move up to third in the Champions League table on 13 points with two games of the first phase remaining.

Jesus, who has endured a frustrating season, missed two good chances against the French side but later set-up Bukayo Saka with a brilliant cross for Arsenal’s opener.

The England winger would score a second after the interval before Kai Havertz added a late third on a night where Arteta’s side should have scored more.

Brazil international Jesus has scored just once from 19 appearances all season but Arteta believes he does not have to help him boost his confidence.

Gabriel Jesus missed two good chances - before setting up a goal

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“Nothing,” replied Arteta when asked how to improve Jesus’ confidence in front of goal.

“Just to put him in front of goal like he’s done today on a couple of occasions, and there are millimetres, centimetres to if the goal goes in or not. He was there, he looked really alive, he had created the first goal from a great move and that’s him, so we have him back he’s with us and I’m sure he will contribute to the team.”

The Arsenal boss also revealed how young Myles Lewis-Skelly is in contention for more first-team minutes after opening his “eyes” during pre-season.

The 18-year-old started in the Champions League for the first time in his career against Monaco and played a key role in Arsenal’s first goal.

“He’s good, he’s been in contention,” he said.

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“In pre-season he opened our eyes to say I’m ready, the same as Ethan [Nwaneri]. He feels comfortable in this environment, they can perform, they can compete which is important as well not just play and today he’s shown that he’s at that level.”

Arsenal are back in action when they host Everton on Saturday.