Mikel Arteta praised Gabriel Jesus after his impressive performance in Arsenal’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Manchester United in the United States.
Jesus, who missed out on a place in Brazil’s Copa America squad after struggling to earn game time for Arsenal, has spent the summer polishing his fitness ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The forward made 36 appearances last season but faced setbacks due to a recurring knee injury.
His pre-season comeback has been the subject of much praise, scoring against rivals United on Sunday to fire his side back into the game. The Gunners went on to defeat the Red Devils thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
Speaking after the victory in Los Angeles, Arteta said: “It is a fact [he has changed] and you can see. The way he looks, his rhythm, his sharpness, the way he is moving.
“And you can see in his eyes as well that there is again some spark there because he has now got a point to prove and that is good. He looks really good. He looks really sharp. He has changed a lot of things over the summer. He has come in top condition again.
“He needs to be in that condition to get the best out of himself. He has realised that. And I’m really happy with what he’s shown again.”
Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers during the summer transfer window after receiving criticism for their lack of strength in attack last season. Arteta admitted Jesus’ motivation to improve is ‘internal’ rather than an extrinsic battle to earn a spot in the squad.
“I think that motivation has to come within himself,” he continued. “With his self demands and how much better he is able to make the team. He has shown it.
“He transformed the energy and the belief of that team and he has got it there. If he is waiting for something external to motivate him, I think it is going to be for a really short period.
“If it’s something internally that is happening, that is going to last long and it is going to be consistent. Hopefully that is the case.”
Arsenal are set to face Liverpool, led by new manager Arne Slot, on Thursday in their next pre-season fixture. The clash with the Reds is their last in the US before returning to the Emirates Stadium to host Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
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