Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has praised Gabriel Jesus, stating that the Brazilian striker has regained his confidence and has a point to prove after scoring against Manchester United in Los Angeles.
Jesus, who struggled with a recurring knee injury last season, struck in the first half as Arsenal won 2-1 in their second friendly match of their US tour.
Arteta believes that Jesus has transformed his approach, saying, “It is a fact (he has changed) and you can see. The way he looks, his rhythm, his sharpness, the way he is moving. And you can see in his eyes as well that there is again some spark there because he has now got a point to prove and that is good.”
Mikel Arteta said Gabriel Jesus has his ‘spark’ back after scoring in the win over Man United
Arteta added, “He looks really good. He looks really sharp. He has changed a lot of things over the summer. He has come in top condition again. He needs to be in that condition to get the best out of himself. He has realised that. And I’m really happy with what he’s shown today again.”
When asked if the calls for Arsenal to sign a new forward have motivated Jesus, Arteta replied, “I think that motivation has to come within himself, with his self-demands and how much better he is able to make the team. He has shown it. He transformed the energy and the belief of that team and he has got it there.”
Arteta emphasized that Jesus’ motivation should come from within, saying, “If it’s something internally that is happening, that is going to last long and it is going to be consistent. Hopefully, that is the case.”
The Brazilian endured a torrid time with injury last season and has a point to prove this year