Frank Christian
Manager Mikel Arteta of Arsenal has expressed his satisfaction with striker Gabriel Jesus’ recent performance and believes he has regained his form after scoring in a pre-season match against Manchester United in Los Angeles.
Jesus scored his second goal of the pre-season in the game after finding the net in Arsenal’s victory over Leyton Orient. Despite falling behind early in the match against Man United, Jesus leveled the score with a goal in the 25th minute, and later Gabriel Martinelli secured the win with a goal in the 81st minute.
Unlike the previous pre-season where an injury disrupted his preparation, Jesus seems to have put more effort into his training this summer, according to Arteta.
Arteta has high expectations for Jesus this season after a challenging previous season where injuries affected his performance and playing time.
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Jesus faced difficulties last season, scoring only four goals in 27 Premier League appearances and struggling with injuries, ultimately losing his place in the starting lineup.
Arteta commented: “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. And when you have that baseline, other things can be built but without that foundation you don’t have a player.”
“He needs to be in that condition to get the best out of him. He has realised that. And I’m really happy with what he’s shown today again.”
Arsenal has been considering signing a new striker this summer, with rumors surrounding potential transfers. Despite this, Arteta believes that Jesus should find motivation from within himself and focus on improving to benefit the team.
Arteta added: “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.”
“If he is waiting for something external to motivate him, I think it is going to be for a really short period. If it something internally that is happening, that is going to last long and it is going to be consistent.”
