Arteta: Arsenal player back to his best

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said striker Gabriel Jesus is back to his best after the Brazilian scored a hat-trick in 27 minutes to send the Gunners into the semi-finals of the English Football League Cup on Wednesday at the expense of Crystal Palace (3-2).

Arteta added: “I am very happy for him.. He went through a long period without scoring any goals, and today, he scored three goals… The three varied goals he scored, and the many actions he participated in, showed that he is very sharp.”

He continued: “This is a great thing for him and for the team, because we can rely on a player with such quality.. Gabriel at this level is a great addition to us.. It is a great message to the team, that Gabriel is back to his best.. It is now about continuity.”

He added: “This moment of brilliance will give him great confidence, and now we have to exploit it, and give him more matches and opportunities.. When a player is at this moment, it is important that he continues.”

Martin Odegaard, who came on in the second half, played a part in all of Jesus’ goals, while Bukayo Saka, who also came on in the second half, set up the Brazilian’s second. Asked about his team’s reliance on the duo of Odegaard and Saka, Arteta said: “They are two of our best players, but we rely on the team, and we rely on a lot of individuals like any other team, to put in good performances and change games.”