Arsenal forward claims he is ready to play 90 minutes

Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal from Man City last season.

Arsenal forward claims he is ready to play 90 minutes

Stephen Oladehinde 12:05 - 03.04.2023

Gabriel Jesus was on target for Arsenal in their 4-1 win over Leeds, scoring two goals, but was substituted in the second half and replaced by Saka.

Jesus' recovery from a World Cup-related knee injury, which required surgery, has been gradual. After scoring twice in an hour-long effort in a victory over Leeds that puts Arsenal eight points clear on the Premier League table. 

The Brazilian forward, who last scored in October, converted a penalty in the first half before adding a third goal after Ben White had doubled the lead. Rasmus Kristensen scored for Leeds before Granit Xhaka's decisive header.

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Mikel Arteta speaks on Jesus return 

On the eve of the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about Jesus, claiming that his summer addition was prepared to resurrect the chaos that he had created during a stellar first few months in north London.

The 25-year-old is optimistic that this will soon change because, since his comeback, he has yet to play the entire game.

Speaking after the game, Jesus said, “Obviously, every player wants to play the full 90 minutes.

“I think I’m ready to play more minutes. However, when the ref said to me I was going off, I was a little bit disappointed because I want to play, but of course I respect the manager and the other players as well. So, it was 60 minutes, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Jesus happy to play again

The Brazilian forward was in the starting lineup against Leeds and was on the score sheet. Jesus was happy he could start for the Gunners and contribute to their win against Leeds.

“It was so good playing again, starting again and feeling the atmosphere of the crowd. I want to score and I practice penalties.

“The most important thing is always the three points. It doesn’t matter how [we do it], but three points are always the most important thing.

“Obviously, I want to score, I want to help the team with the goals. I missed a big part of the season and now I just want to play and help the team.”

Leeds are now just one point ahead of Leicester, who sacked Brendan Rodgers on Sunday and are in danger of finishing in the bottom three due to the outcome.

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