Gabriel Jesus made his first Champions League start of the season, replacing Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line for Arsenal against Inter Milan.
Trips to Italy in the Champions League aren’t journeys that Arsenal like to take, having not won away to an Italian side in the competition since 2008.
Mikel Arteta’s side made it very clear that they were eager to change the narrative at the San Siro, facing Inter Milan on match day seven of the league phase.
From the first whistle, Arsenal looked rampant, having several shots on goal before the 30th second came around.
10 minutes into the game, Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock, a goal that stood for more than just the opener.
Which other Arsenal players could score this goal?
Gabriel Jesus gives Arsenal the lead against Inter Milan!
Gabriel Jesus’ goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League was significant
Jesus’ goal was highly celebratory, not because it was the opener, and not because it was the Brazilian who scored it.
The striker scored Arsenal’s first goal away to an Italian side in the Champions League since 2008, 18 years ago!
When considering that Emmanuel Adebayor was the last Arsenal player to score in Italy for the Gunners in the competition, you realise just how long ago the North Londoners were able to celebrate.
Since his goal against AC Milan, also at San Siro, Adebayor played for rivals Manchester City and Tottenham, and has retired.
The wait is over thanks to Jesus, who has kept his incredible Champions League record alive.
Gabriel Jesus is a different animal in the Champions League
Jesus’ superbly taken goal against Inter was his 25th in the Champions League, scoring it on his 53rd appearance in the tournament – he then added another soon after, making it 26!
Do you remember who scored our last goal on Italian soil in the Champions League?
Gabriel Jesus ends Arsenal's wait!
The Brazilian loves playing in Europe, making his return to fitness all the more valuable to Arsenal.
Despite maintaining a spectacular scoring ratio in the Champions League, Jesus is yet to win it, something he’ll be desperate to achieve at Arsenal.
For now, the 28-year-old will take a moment to reflect on scoring the Gunners’ first Champions League goal on Italian soil in 18 years.
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