Forget Rice…’Lovely’ Arsenal star with 5 key passes was Arteta’s hero v Luton

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Arsenal consolidated their position at the top of the Premier League with a dramatic 4-3 victory at Luton Town, with Declan Rice scoring a last-minute winner.

Rice has arguably been Arsenal’s best player since his arrival from West Ham in the summer, and he came up clutch again as he nodded home to seal a remarkable comeback win.

Whilst the England star has taken a lot of plaudits for his role in the victory, Gabriel Jesus was arguably the best, and most important player for Mikel Arteta in what became a tough match in a hostile atmosphere.

Gabriel Jesus starred in Arsenal’s victory over Luton

The Brazilian was outstanding at Kenilworth Road, putting Arsenal 2-1 up with an excellent header before setting up Kai Havertz to equalise at 3-3 with a deft pass.

He fired in three shots on goal, completed two dribbles and made an astonishing five key passes in addition to his goal and assist, and led the line superbly as he played for the whole 90 minutes.

The Evening Standard gave Jesus a rating of 8/10 as Arsenal’s best player, and highlighted his role in Havertz’s goal as a standout moment.

“Put Arsenal ahead with a poacher’s finish at the back post. Was involved in a battle all game with Luton’s centre-backs, but held his own. Set up Arsenal’s third with a lovely assist.”

Football.London praised Jesus as “key” to Arsenal’s victory, and gave him a 9/10 rating.

Gabriel Jesus’ is crucial to Arsenal

Although Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard have performed well whilst Jesus spent time absent with injury, it is clear that the Brazilian offers a different level of performance upfront.

Jesus is not only key in front of goal, with his perfectly timed run setting himself up for an easy header in the first half, but he is paramount to Arsenal’s other attackers performing at their best.

Kai Havertz has now scored three times in the last four games, after initially struggling to settle, and having Jesus upfront as a presence has been key to this. Jesus also assisted two of the three goals, and a partnership is beginning to develop well.

Jesus has now overtaken Eric Cantona in the Premier League scoring charts, and if he can stay fit for the rest of the season, he will play an important part as Arsenal aim to challenge for the title after last season’s collapse.