Gabriel Jesus scored two goals in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan yesterday, which sent them into the final 16 of the Champions League. This made it mathematically certain that the Gunners would finish in the top eight.
Two goals from close range in the first half earned Arsenal their eighth straight league win at the San Siro. This left manager Mikel Arteta with a tough choice to make with Manchester United coming to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, according to AFP.
Jesus took the place of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has had a rough season but scored a great goal in the 84th minute to seal the win. The former Manchester City striker was a menace all game.
Before Tuesday’s win, the 28-year-old had only started twice this season. He seems to be back to his best after missing almost a year because of a torn cruciate ligament.
Arsenal already has 21 points, which put them in the last 16 before the game had started. Last season, 16 points were enough to put them in the top eight.
But the 28-year-old was very important for Arsenal, who are now six points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich, who will play Union Saint-Gilloise at home on Wednesday night.
Inter, who equalized with a great goal from Petar Sucic in the 18th minute, are in eighth place after losing their third straight match in Europe’s top club competition for the first time in their history.
Five clubs may pass the Serie A leaders on Wednesday, and their maximum conceivable points total of 15—if they win at Borussia Dortmund next week—makes a playoff spot likely.
Cristian Chivu’s squad lost another major game, which is even worse because they have had trouble in large games and were careless on both of Jesus’ goals.
When Jesus scored the Gunners’ opening goal in the 10th minute, it looked like Arsenal would easily win. The Brazilian took advantage of Jurrien Timber’s missed shot to score his first Champions League goal in November 2023.
But Sucic’s powerful shot swiftly canceled out his goal. Inter stopped being careful and started to give Arsenal trouble.
In the 27th minute, Lautaro Martinez sent Sucic sprinting through on a fantastic chance to take another shot, but he took too long and then made a bad pass to Marcus Thuram, who shot high and wide.
Four minutes later, Jesus scored for Arsenal on a special set piece since Inter didn’t take advantage of the chance. He was absolutely unmarked near the goal line.
Leandro Trossard headed Bukayo Saka’s deep, looping corner back onto the crossbar, and the ball fell straight to Jesus, who scored without a hitch.
Inter didn’t give up, though. Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both came close with angled drives. But Gyokeres scored on the break to end the game and let fans look forward to United.
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