Several Arsenal stars produced eye-catching performances as the Gunners beat Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.
Arsenal put the reigning Bundesliga champions to the sword at the Emirates Stadium last night, as goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz helped Mikel Arteta’s side on their way to a 4-1 victory.
The North London outfit were dominant throughout, up until the final stage of the game, after Arteta had thrown a number of Hale End academy youth prospects into the fray.
Overall, though, it was a dazzling display from the hosts which bodes well for the upcoming campaign.
Jesus, in particular, was able to stand out in the 45 minutes of action he was granted. Not only did the Brazilian striker get on scoresheet with an effort from range after an impressive solo run, but he looked sharp and energetic right from the first whistle.
Arsenal fans loved what they saw from Jesus against Xabi Alonso’s side, as he pressed relentlessly, challenging for the ball high up the pitch. When the hosts were in possession, the 27-year-old was seemingly everywhere too, as he dropped deep to involve himself in the build up play, and stretched the opposition defence with intelligent movement.
Mikel Arteta highlights change in Gabriel Jesus
Arteta did not fail to recognise Jesus’ impact on the match. After the final whistle, the Spanish coach was full of praise for the former Manchester City man.
As quoted by the club’s official website, Arteta said: “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. 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 produce in those circumstances? It looks good.”
Gabriel Jesus needs to deliver on Arsenal promise
Injuries have plagued Jesus in recent seasons, and even when he has been fit there has been a recurrent failing in his game – his finishing. The 64-cap Brazil international is brilliant in so many ways, but he simply isn’t clinical enough in front of goal.
Jesus has vowed to become more prolific, and needs to deliver on that promise this season. He also needs to show that he can stay fit. Arteta’s words suggest that the player is in good shape and ready to step up for the Gunners.
Arteta and Jesus held talks this summer, and the forward convinced the manager that he can still deliver for the Gunners. He has made a good start in living up to his word, but the pressure to perform is now very much on.
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