Revealed: Why Arteta signed Gabriel Jesus
Karan Tejwani
- 6 Aug 2022 08:29 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal started off their Premier League season with an impressive 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, and boss Mikel Arteta was quick to praise new signing Gabriel Jesus for his performance.
The Brazilian forward made his first official start for the Gunners in the match at Selhurst Park and put in a fine display, despite not getting on the scoresheet.
The new signing was constantly a threat, pressing Palace defenders and winning the ball high up the pitch, as well as creating a few chances for his team-mates, and that’s been appreciated by his boss.
Jesus moved to Arsenal from Manchester City earlier in the summer for a £45 million fee, and has caught the eye of many whenever he has played for the club.
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Arteta impressed by Jesus display
Arteta spoke after the game about his display: "The fear factor. He's always on your shoulder, he's always looking for 50-50 balls, he always got that ability to get the ball off you and he's never standing still, he's always on the move, he's always ready to act.
The Spanish coach continued, praising his awareness during the game that makes him so difficult to play against: “He's so sharp. I think for defenders it's difficult to play against him."
Jesus’ performance, despite not getting on the scoresheet, was great, as evident by his numbers: most successful dribbles (6), most touches in the opposition box (10), most possession won in the final third (2).
Gabriel Jesus completed more take-ons (5) and had more touches inside the opposition box (9) than any other player in the first half against Crystal Palace.
Dancing around the pitch. 🩰 pic.twitter.com/1K94gcFIZd— Squawka (@Squawka) August 5, 2022
He was also able to carve chances for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, but those weren’t converted, however, Jesus was still in inspired form.
There was plenty of optimism surrounding him as Arsenal went into the season, with fans believing he could now show his best form in a primary role at the Emirates Stadium.
He was also great in pre-season, with his final match involving him scoring a hat-trick against Sevilla in a 6-0 thumping of the Spanish side.
