Gabriel Jesus in form smiles better with a little self-belief

Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant performance for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.

Fresh from his hat-trick in the Gunners’ 3-2 win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international struck twice in the first 14 minutes to help fire the visitors to a 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were also on the scoresheet for Arsenal, with Ismaila Sarr netting for Palace.

Those goals were Jesus’ first in the league in 2024 and he hinted that his midweek exploits had given him a boost of confidence.

Arsenal is closing the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏

🔜 Everton vs Chelsea, Sunday 14:00 GMT
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— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024

He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal was very important early on. As we got going, the whole team was really ready to play well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know that it is always difficult to come here. We did the job and I’m very happy with the goals as a number nine, I know there’s always pressure to score. I’m happy, but the win, the three points, was big today.

“I’m the type of person who wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. I know in my mind that I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two into the net and missed one that I will dream about. When I play with a smile on my face, everything is different so I try to keep my mind strong and just help the team. I realize I need to be more in the box to finish the action.”

Patience pays off

Jesus had to be patient to make his place in the first XI, especially as a striker, as he was often deployed in a wide left position.

He added: “It’s great to be back in the team and playing more. I’m experienced enough and I know it’s different when a player plays all the time. I’m happy to get more chances, but it’s up to me to put myself in the right position to score. It’s Arsenal, it’s a huge club and I know there’s pressure on the number nine to score.”

Saka takes care of Arsenal

The only blemish on this otherwise perfect night for Arsenal was the hamstring injury suffered by Bukayo Saka which saw him withdraw after 24 minutes.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, whose side are now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but have played two games more, said: “I don’t know. He had to get off because he felt something. This is obviously not good news. We have to evaluate him.”

Guehi disappointed with the exhibition in the Palace

The defeat was a blow to a Palace team that had shown signs of recovery in recent weeks.

England defender Marc Guehi believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his side’s defeat.

He told the PLP: “We are disappointed. It’s not nice to lose like that. Heads are down and we have to do it again. There are moments that we create ourselves in every game, today we didn’t take advantage of them, but they did.

“But I think tonight was about both boxes. Looking back, we didn’t defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. We have to start again, look at the areas we can improve and take this game with a little bit of a grain of salt.”