This is what every coach wants when rotating the squad. Gabriel Jesus helped Arsenal win 3-1 against Inter Milan at San Siro with a double, thereby affirming their position in the competition for the center forward position before the great battle against Manchester United this weekend.
The person who was substituted for him only had about 15 minutes to show himself, but Viktor Gyokeres still managed to leave his mark with a dangerous right-footed shot into the top corner of the goal. That could be considered the most beautiful goal of the Swedish striker since joining Arsenal.
Gyokeres' goal recalls the previous goal of Petar Sucic on Inter's side, who equalized 1-1 in the 18th minute. However, only 13 minutes later, Jesus completed a double with a close-range header, helping Arsenal re-establish the lead.
This victory helps Mikel Arteta's team win all 7 matches in the Champions League this season, officially ensuring a position in the top 2 in the qualifying stage, thereby gaining home advantage in the second leg of the knockout round.
Notably, Arsenal achieved this impressive result in the context that Arteta made up to 7 changes in the starting lineup.
If you have to describe a perfect script, perhaps that is this match. I am satisfied with the result and the individual performance of the players. You cannot win at San Siro without personality and bravery.
We have just gone through four consecutive away matches in four different arenas in just 10 days. Rotation helps players maintain fitness, while making everyone feel that they have an important role" - Arteta shared.
Jesus' opening goal in the 10th minute was somewhat lucky when Jurrien Timber's missed shot unintentionally became an assist. However, the second goal showed the true scoring instinct of the Brazilian striker, when he appeared at the right time to head close range after a combination from a corner kick situation.
On the contrary, Gyokeres has recently been often criticized for lacking positioning and connection in the penalty area. However, the goal against Inter may be an important turning point for the striker born in 1998.
The goal came from a beautiful coordination situation. Gabriel Martinelli passed the ball with his forehead to Bukayo Saka, before the ball bounced out and Gyokeres launched an unstoppable finish.
After the match, Arteta praised his student: "He has two chances and scored one goal. This is the second consecutive away match Gyokeres has played well and is gradually regaining confidence.
Jesus also could not hide his emotions: "This was a dream night. I grew up with Italian football, so scoring a goal at San Siro really moved me.
To date, Jesus has directly contributed to 34 goals in the Champions League (26 goals, 8 assists) after 52 appearances.
With the simultaneous return of Jesus, Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, Arteta is possessing the deepest attack in Europe. The competition for the center forward position has therefore become an easy headache for the Spanish coach in the decisive phase of the season.
Who will start in the match against Man United is still uncertain, but Arsenal is definitely entering the most important stage with full firepower in hand.
