Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus scored twice as the Gunners remain top of the table with a place in the Champions League knockout stages within sight.
Gabriel Jesus leads Arsenal to three points at San Siro (Image: )
With Gabriel Jesus claiming to be the key player in their attack, Arsenal bounced back from Inter Milan at the San Siro to score their seventh win and are on track to top the Champions League.
The Brazilian scored twice as the Gunners defeated their Italian opponents, showing he has lost none of his know-how during his long injury spell. Both goals were due to the attacker’s instincts, destined to increase his goal tally.
Jesus was the first to react to Julian Timber’s scuffed shot, putting Arsenal ahead from the start. However, that lead did not last long as Inter fought back brilliantly, with Petar Sučić scoring with a side-footed shot past David Raya from outside the penalty area.
Arsenal’s number nine was on hand to restore his team’s lead and was once again the quickest to react as he turned home another of his team’s corner routines. Undefeated Victor Gokeres came off the bench and added a third goal for the North London side. His attack was certainly timely. Because Jesus was going to take his place.
Inter increased the pressure in the second half, looking to equalize again, but were unable to break through Arsenal, who have conceded just two goals in this season’s Champions League.
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The Gunners have continued to establish themselves as one of Europe’s most elite teams under Arteta, reaching the last eight and last four in successive seasons. They look ready to take the next step – here are five takeaways from the victory in Milan.
Jesus vs. Gokeres gets heated
Goqueres was sidelined at San Siro, but somewhere in the back of his mind he must have thought his time on the bench would be extended after Jesus’ two excellent goals. The Swede has found himself constantly in the spotlight since the sow started life in north London.
With Jesus now fit, Arteta has a reliable alternative. Given their wide range of talent, it seems unlikely that Jesus and Goqueres will start in the same XI, but the question now is who can further their cause.
Gabriel Jesus’ two shots showed he has the goal-scoring touch (Image: )
The Brazilian showed his predatory instincts early on with a smart finish and didn’t need long. It was the type of instinct Arsenal felt they lacked during their recent impasse. His second time was a similar story. Right place, right time.
The pair swapped roles with 15 minutes remaining, with the Swede replacing the Brazilian, but the former Sporting Lisbon man made the most of his limited time and sealed the three points with a beautifully curled finish. Arteta will have to make a big choice as he faces Manchester United on Sunday.
stick to what you know
When Jesus headed in a corner against Italy, it was the 19th time Arsenal had scored from a set-piece. For those unaware of the project, Bukayo Saka seemed too deep, but Leandro Trossard was on hand to play the role.
He headed back into the center of the box and his header skimmed the crossbar but fell into the hands of Jesus just a yard from goal. Arsenal have built a reputation as set-piece specialists. Some say it’s boring. However, there is no doubt about its effectiveness.
Petar Sučić equalizes for Inter Milan with an impressive finish (Image: )
A lot can change in a year
Rewind just over 12 months and Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Champions League was halted by Inter at San Siro. On a November night, Italy won 1-0 after a controversial VAR decision.
Arsenal have improved in almost every metric this season, with the Premier League leaders showing they are indeed evolving. They continued to dominate for long periods of time despite leaving the likes of Gabriel and Declan Rice on the bench, further proving they have a team capable of winning the Champions League.
Inter are finding their level
It always felt like last year’s finalists were in a bit of a downturn as they embarked on a new era, especially after Simone Inzaghi’s departure to the Saudi Pro League. Inter got off to a strong start and were one of the teams to win all their opening four games.
Victor Gokeres comes off the bench to add Arsenal’s third goal (Image: )
Although the class said since then. They began campaigns against the likes of Union Saint Giroise and Slavia Prague as a sign of respect. Since then, they have faced Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal, losing all three. They currently sit top of Serie A, but reaching the Champions League final for the third time in four years looks like a very high hurdle.
almost perfect
Arteta’s side are seventh out of seven in Europe this season and will look to move past the favorites next week when they face Kazakhstan’s weaker side Kairat to give them the perfect start to their Champions League assignments.
Although this new era of Champions League football is still relatively new, in fact only two years old, Arsenal could enjoy the joy of becoming the first team in history to achieve eight wins and eight losses. Liverpool came very close last season but were defeated at the final hurdle. The Gunners themselves won six of their eight games last year, but it would be another statement of determination if they can get off to a 100% start. Continued next week.
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