Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must give Gabriel Jesus “more chances” after his hat-trick booked the Gunners' place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
The Brazilian forward scored three times in the second half as Arteta's side came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Jesus – who made just his eighth start in 21 appearances in all competitions this season – quadrupled his goal tally for the campaign as he found the net on home soil for the first time in a year.
And Arteta will hope the 27-year-old will next rediscover his goal-scoring talent in the Premier League after not scoring a top-flight goal since January 30.
“It's about consistency now,” said the Spaniard. “It's a moment of spark that will bring so much to the team that we can rely on him to change games. We have to give him more chances.
“It's good that there are players knocking on the door.”
Jesus said he has reaped the benefits of extra hours on the training pitch to improve his finishing, and he hopes to stay in the goalscoring game and add to Arsenal's Premier League title.
“I wear the number nine for Arsenal, so I have to score goals,” he told BBC Radio 5 live. “Kai [Havertz] also. We are the strikers of the team and have the pressure to score.
“If you want to compete for a place, we have to keep scoring. It's not easy. If that were the case, there would be a lot of attackers in the world, but we keep trying.”
“I came here to win the Premier League and my first two seasons we were there, but for some details. This third season I want to win.”
Thanks for bringing the energy, Gooners
See you Saturday in South Londonpic.twitter.com/mwbKxkrTjN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 18, 2024
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