Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his delight with Gabriel Jesus’ improved form, highlighting a noticeable change in the Brazilian forward’s demeanor and performance.
Jesus, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season, has shown promising signs in pre-season. His performance in the 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, where he linked up effectively with Kai Havertz, has particularly impressed Arteta. “I think it’s something you can see coming,” Arteta said of Jesus and Havertz’s understanding.
“It’s natural, it flows, there is good chemistry between them – and as well with Leo [Trossard]. The three, they have that false nine profile. I really like what I saw today. You have to be very sensitive to read the information that the players are giving you
“Individually, the chemistry they have within the unit, how things flow, one side and the other. It’s certainly something that we can still develop, especially on our left side. Those combinations are giving us options. They are all really, really good players so the competition is quite big there.”
The manager believes the partnership between Jesus and Havertz has the potential to be a key factor in Arsenal’s success this season. He emphasized the importance of continued development and consistency for the Brazilian striker.
“I said from day one, the first feeling when I saw him after talking to him at the end of the season is that he was something different,” he continued. “I could sense it. His energy was different, the way he looks is different, the way he’s moving is different. He really wants it.
“Now it’s about finding that consistency and doing it in any context, against any opponent, against any formation, any day, every three days, for 90 minutes, for 30 minutes, for 70 minutes. If you are producing in those circumstances? It looks good.”
Arteta also praised the overall team performance against Leverkusen, acknowledging areas for improvement while highlighting the positive aspects of the match.
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