Arsenal took on reigning German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal dominated against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening. Mikel Arteta’s side raced to a 2-0 lead within ten minutes, as two Kai Havertz assists led to eye-catching strikes for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard.
The North London outfit continued to largely monopolise possession, and were sharp with their pressing and positioning when the visitors had the ball.
With 38 minutes on the clock, Gabriel Jesus picked up the ball a long way from goal and embarked on a solo run, before unleashing a strike from range. Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar might feel that he should have dealt with the shot, but in any case it snuck into the bottom corner.
The Brazilian striker deserved his goal, having produced a committed, energetic display right from the first whistle. The 27-year-old pressed relentlessly, challenging to win the ball back high up the pitch. When the Gunners were on the ball he made intelligent runs and looked fit and sharp.
Jesus had to convince Arteta in talks this summer that he can still contribute for the Gunners, and he certainly has a point to prove.
Jesus has looked good in pre-season so far, though, and that theme persisted against Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga title-holders.
Arsenal fans praise Gabriel Jesus after Bayer Leverkusen win
Jesus was taken off at half-time, as Arteta was clearly keen to get minute into the legs of as many of his players as possible. By that point, though, the former Manchester City forward had made the statement he will have intended to with his display.
Arsenal fans on X were certainly pleased with what they saw from Jesus.
One said: “Wrap Gabriel Jesus in cotton man, we need him at his best in the upcoming season, we’ll be unstoppable with him in his best game.”
Another stated: “Gabriel Jesus high press is so intimidating, literally capitalizing on every single mistake from the opponent.”
One supporter observed: “He’s looking leaner however, he’s cooking!”
Another added: “He looks like 22/23 Jesus. If he can stay fit this season, he will ball and I’m not capping.”
Jesus has everything to prove this season
Whilst injuries impacted his campaign, last season was not good enough by Jesus’ standards, as he only registered four Premier League goals.
Arsenal are currently looking for a new striker, but Jesus has the talent to be a star for the Gunners, he just needs to show that he can stay fit, produce his best on a consistent basis, and find a killer instinct in front of goal that evaded him last time around.
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