Martin Odegaard reveals what Gabriel Jesus was really like in Arsenal training when he was out of form

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The Arsenal squad are ready to battle for silverware in what has been a campaign of mixed emotion so far.

Arsenal spent Christmas Day in third place, sitting off the top spot for the first time in two years.

Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do as the Gunners hope to track down Liverpool, who lead the Premier League table by seven points.

Sitting nine points below the leaders ahead of their clash with Ipswich Town, Arsenal must put together a winning streak if they are to remain in the race for the title.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures compared to Liverpool and Chelsea

Martin Odegaard opens up about Gabriel Jesus’ scoring form

In the run-in to the new year, Arsenal received yet another injury blow as Bukayo Saka was ruled out for weeks with a hamstring problem.

While Arsenal will struggle to replace Saka in the squad, the Gunners are fortunate that another figure is stepping up at a time of need.

With five goals in his previous two games in all competitions is Gabriel Jesus, whose form in the final third has been transformed by an injection of confidence.

Jesus’ sharpness has been celebrated by his Arsenal teammates, which was echoed by captain Martin Odegaard ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Ipswich.

The Norweigan lifted the lid on how Jesus’ resurgence has impacted the Brazilian, explaining how the squad feels about the forward’s goal-laden week.

“Everyone was so happy for Gabby getting his hat-trick,” Odegaard said, via Arsenal’s official website, before revealing how the 27-year-old has conducted himself in training. 

“He really deserved that, because he has had a frustrating time in the last few months, but has kept working and has been doing really well in training. He took those goals brilliantly and you could see the confidence that has given him.

“Gabby got two more against Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, and it’s great to see him with a smile on his face on the pitch.”

Arteta has committed to giving Jesus another chance at Arsenal, in what has been a trialling year for the number nine throughout 2024.

How many goals has Jesus scored in 2024?

Jesus’ struggles are highlighted by his recent scoring form, given that before his week of five goals, the Brazilian had netted two in the entirety of the calendar year.

That’s excluding the two goals that the striker scored in pre-season, telling of how difficult the year has been for the former Manchester City ace.

Very few would have expected Jesus to re-announce himself in the Arsenal squad the way that he has however, it’s now clear that those within the team did in fact anticipate a revival. 

Odegaard’s admission reinforces just how hard the forward has worked to get himself back in the frame in north London, with further goals needed this campaign.