Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Praises Gabriel Jesus As Striker Continues Incredible Form

Gabriel Jesus has started his Arsenal career in scintillating fashion, culminating in his hat trick against Sevilla on Saturday.

The all-round game of the Brazilian has had Gunners fans salivating at the prospect of what he can provide this season, being a crucial cog in the 6-0 thrashing of the Spanish side. 

His ability to receive the ball with his back to goal or behind the opposition defence, his movement, versatility, relentless pressing and deft control has already endeared him to the Emirates faithful.

The strikers hattrick made it seven goals in just five games for Jesus.

His first two came against 1.FC Nurnberg, before he added another against Everton.

A delightful chip against Chelsea and the hattrick against Sevilla complete a brilliant pre-season for Jesus.

Jesus has made his transition from Manchester to North London has been seamless, and something Arteta has been deeply impressed by:

“You are hoping that [a player settling in quickly] that is going to happen.”

“But obviously a player has to adapt to a new city, to a new club, new teammates and he's done it in a really fast and natural way.” 

“You can see the way they look for him on the pitch, on and off the ball, and what he's able to transmit as well on that pitch so I am really happy.”

Having the 25-year-old settle in so quickly has been crucial, meaning that when the Spaniard’s side head to Selhurst Park this Friday, they will be ready for battle.

Such a quick adaptation of a high quality forward led Arteta to ponder what could have been, with the Brazilian providing what was so distinctly absent last season:

“We tried to improve the team and recruit in order to get better and obviously there were some things that we didn't have.”

“We tried to get them when we bring people in or develop our players and that's always the objective.”

Better late than never you can say, with the “things that we didn’t have” last season apparent in abundance in Jesus, he is the antithesis of Alexandre Lacazette. 

However, the new Gunners no.9 will be hoping to replicate his predecessor in one respect - scoring on his first league start. 

If the Brazilian continues his ruthless form into the Premier League curtain raiser, then Arsenal will be confident of returning to London Colney with three points.