Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus just might be the key to unlocking their trophy drought! After a dominant display against Inter Milan, securing their spot in the Champions League last 16, it's clear: Arsenal is a force to be reckoned with. But can they actually turn this momentum into tangible silverware?
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad achieved a resounding victory, notching their seventh consecutive win and guaranteeing a top-seed position in the Champions League knockout stage. Gabriel Jesus, with his brace – including a goal from yet another corner, their 19th of the season! – spearheaded the attack, overcoming last year's finalists, Inter Milan. This victory wasn't just about avenging a defeat from 14 months prior; it also marked a new milestone, surpassing Arsenal's previous longest winning streak in the competition. While Manchester City's unexpected loss earlier in the day meant Arsenal's progression was already assured, this match served as further evidence of the ruthless winning mentality that Arteta has instilled in the team. The only minor blemish on an otherwise perfect performance – their fourth consecutive away game across four different competitions – was Petar Sucic's first-half equalizer. But even that couldn't overshadow Jesus's brilliance, further amplified by Viktor Gyökeres's late, stylish goal that sealed the victory.
Having recently returned from a grueling 11-month recovery from an ACL injury, Jesus openly declared his ambition to win trophies with Arsenal. And with the team sitting comfortably seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table and still actively competing in both domestic cup competitions, the opportunity has never been greater. "It's a dream night," a visibly moved Jesus confessed. "Growing up, I watched a lot of Serie A. To score here, in this stadium – it brought tears to my eyes because I always dreamed of being here."
Arteta, equally enthusiastic, showered praise on the 28-year-old striker. He expressed optimism that the heightened competition between Jesus, Gyökeres, and the returning Kai Havertz for the starting forward position will fuel their drive to capture silverware this season. "We’ve been missing Gabi a lot," Arteta stated. "His presence is going to boost the team's confidence because we now have diverse attacking options, similar to what we have with the wingers. The high level of performance from these players significantly impacts our game. It will only make us better." This depth in attacking talent presents a welcome 'problem' for Arteta, forcing him to make tough choices – a luxury he hasn't always had.
Arsenal's previous defeat against Inter in last year's group stage, fueled by a controversial penalty decision against Mikel Merino, lingered in Arteta's mind leading up to this match. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that dwelling on past defeats can be detrimental to a team's mindset. What do you think? Despite the temptation to field a full-strength squad in pursuit of revenge, Arteta opted to make seven changes to the lineup that drew with Nottingham Forest. Yet, his players delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season.
Before the game, Manuel Akanji questioned Arsenal's status as the best team in Europe, suggesting that Bayern Munich was the team to beat. And this is the part most people miss... Akanji's comments likely served as extra motivation for Arsenal! The former City defender might be rethinking his assessment after witnessing Jesus and Bukayo Saka torment the Inter defense.
The historic stadium, slated for demolition following its purchase by Inter and Milan, buzzed with an electric atmosphere before kickoff. However, Arsenal quickly took control, with Jesus nearly connecting with Jurriën Timber's cross in the second minute. The breakthrough eventually came through the same combination: Eberechi Eze's pass deflected into Timber's path, whose scuffed shot was cleverly redirected into the net by the alert Jesus, who was kept onside by Luis Henrique.
Inter responded swiftly, equalizing within eight minutes after William Saliba blocked a goal-bound shot, which then fell perfectly for Sucic to fire home, his strike taking a slight deflection off Martín Zubimendi's heel, leaving David Raya helpless. Remarkably, it was only the second goal Arsenal had conceded in the competition this year. But parity was short-lived. Arsenal regained the lead when Leandro Trossard headed Saka's corner against the crossbar, and Jesus pounced on the rebound.
The home crowd erupted in protest in the second half, demanding a penalty when Lautaro Martínez went down under pressure from Saliba, but the referee remained unmoved. This season, Saka has been rested more frequently due to concerns about his workload, and the benefits have been evident in his recent performances. A pinpoint cross from the England international found Trossard, but his volley sailed wide of the target.
Saka hesitated when clean through on goal, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to make a crucial last-ditch tackle. Substitute Pio Esposito almost capitalized, finding space inside the Arsenal area as Inter intensified their pressure. Ultimately, it was Gyökeres who secured the victory, latching onto a long ball from Gabriel Martinelli and firing past Yann Sommer from outside the box, sending a clear warning to the rest of Europe.
So, is this Arsenal's year? Can Gabriel Jesus lead them to the trophy they so desperately crave? And was the referee right to wave away Inter's penalty appeal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
