Journalist James McNicholas was blown away by how well Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus played against Luton Town.
Gabriel Jesus produced an inspired performance as Arsenal fought their way to a 4-3 win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday evening.
The Brazilian registered a goal and an assist against the promoted side. His display was about so much more than end product though. As he always does when he is at his best, the striker knitted the Gunners’ entire attacking contingent together, bringing the best out of those around him.
He also played a target man-style hold-up role well, repeatedly dragging his team up pitch by retaining possession whilst under pressure in the final third.
As per WhoScored statistics, the 26-year-old produced three shots on target, was accurate with 90.9% of his passes, played five key passes, completed two dribbles, made one tackle and one interception.
He battled fiercely throughout the match, going toe-to-toe with the Hatters’ physical approach to the game.
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the £45 million former Manchester City man after the match. As quoted by the club’s official website, the Spanish coach said, “he looked really lively today, really active and caused them a lot of problems. He was really mobile, a constant threat and scored a good goal. He was involved in many positive actions for the team as well, so I think we’re getting the best out of him and he’s in a good place.”
Why Gabriel Jesus is so important to Arsenal
Jesus has been criticised at times during his career at the Emirates Stadium. There are question marks over whether he is prolific enough to fire the north London club to a Premier League title triumph this season. Jesus has himself admitted that goalscoring is not the strongest aspect of his game.
However, the Gunners share the goals around. Aside from Jesus, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard, amongst others, are all expected to chip in with their fair share and have been able to do just that so far this season.
What Jesus brings to this team, beyond goals, is too important to dismiss. Arsenal are undoubtedly a better team when he is on the pitch. It is now of vital importance that he able to stay fit throughout the remainder of the campaign. He has had his injury issues in recent seasons and needs to show that he can shine whilst playing regularly on a sustained basis.
More of the same of what he produced against Luton would be very welcome. James McNicholas was certainly impressed by what he saw from Jesus on Tuesday. Speaking on his On The Whistle YouTube platform, the reporter said, “I thought Gabriel Jesus was outstanding tonight. Obviously involved in the first goal, the quick thinking, the hard running, the pressing. Scored the second goal, created the third for Kai Havertz.”
“I think he shows week by week how you can be a hold-up player without necessarily being 6’4″ and broadly built. He’s very strong in those battles, in those duels, and he did really well tonight because he was on a booking but he kept at it, kept fighting, for the team.”
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