Gabriel Jesus says it’s great to be back playing regularly for Arsenal and says he doesn’t doubt his ability to score goals, so long as he gets into the right positions in the box.
The Brazil international underlined his soaring confidence with a brace of goals to help Arsenal to a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace just days after downing the Eagles with a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup.
After the game, he faced questions from Sky Sports. Here’s what he had to say…
On a significant win…
Yeah, obviously, I think the first goal was very important, early. The way we start the game, the whole team was really ready to play well, to fight. They have a strong team, they have quality players, we know it’s always difficult to come here. We did the job, obviously, I’m very happy with the goals. As a nine, I know the pressure is on to score goals, I could score again today, so, yeah, I’m happy. The win, the three points was massive today.
On scoring five goals against Palace in a week…
To be honest, I’m the type of guy who likes to work hard. I know my qualities, I know I can score goals, like I said after the game against Palace [on Wednesday]. Obviously after a game I scored in, it’s quite easy to say that but 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 could have chances again. I put two in the net, I missed one but still, when I play with a smile on my face, everything is different. I’m trying to keep my mind strong and try to help the team and put myself in good positions. That’s me, help the team, defend, cover the ball but I understand, I have to be more in the box to finish the action.
On his goals…
It was good play by the team and then it was a great job by [Gabi] Magalhaes because he hold the defender and I screamed at him to leave the ball, he helped me, blocked – it was a very important move from him. After [for the second], Thomas [Partey] played a great ball and I finished the action. I scored but the guys were really important to create the chances as well.
On how good it is to be back feeling sharp…
Like I said, it’s great to be back in the team, playing more. Obviously, like I said after the last game, I always worked hard to try to get chances and play. At the same time I know, I’m experienced enough, still young but I have been here eight years, so I know when a player is playing constantly, it’s different, the confidence, the physicality is different. I’m happy to get more chances but it’s down to me to put myself in a good position to try to score. It’s Arsenal, it’s a huge club, I know the pressure for the number nine to score is there. I just want to keep trying to help the team with the goals and that’s it. I think Kai [Havertz] is an amazing player, he scored a lot, so I think Arsenal are doing good. I’m very happy to be back [scoring] in the net and I just want to keep scoring.
On a new baby on the way…
I believe a lot in God. If there wasn’t a God, I know for sure, I wouldn’t be here. Where I come from, the age I became professional was 17, 18. My first time in Palmeiras in the academy I was 16, like I’ve seen Ethan [Nwaneri] here with us. At his age, I was playing in the streets in my place in Brazil, Sao Paulo, and I always believed in God and he is doing great with me now again. God is great and then he gives me a chance to be a father again. I just want to enjoy it, I just want to get home with my wife and daughter and then soon, in like six months, there will be another one. That is God. I cannot complain, I say thank you to God, he is great in my life.
Wasn’t expecting him to score any more goals per alone 5 in a row!! Keep it going and we have a chance of the PL!
*let alone*…
Wow what amazing things a bit of confidence can do. He’s fun to watch when he plays like that. Defo should have had a hat trick though. That point blank miss before Martinelli scored was a bit of old jesus. I thought the game management by MA was on point today with great subs at the right moments. Defence was a little shakey. TP was good on the ball as always but Rice just gives us so much more calm at the back. Would anyone else be tempted to sign Mateta? He’s a unit. Scores lots of goals in the… Read more »
what a great goal the second one was. looking forward to see more of jesus, smart decision by arteta to play him right from the start, his confidence must be over the roof now. crazy thing, a player not scoring for almost a year and then scoring five against the same team. thought that could only happen to us. long gone are those days, thankfully!
6 months? Wtf!
Jesus could be our secret weapon. From forgotten man to goal machine.
If he can keep this up for the next 6 months he could win us the title!!!
You’re welcome son. Now go get another hattrick you little rascal