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Paul Merson has praised Gabriel Jesus for transforming his style of play, which has resulted in a remarkable upturn in the Brazilian’s goal-scoring form for Arsenal. After enduring a frustrating goal drought earlier this season, Jesus has rediscovered his scoring touch in stunning fashion, netting five goals in his last two games, including a memorable hat trick.
For much of his career, Jesus has not been regarded as a prolific goal-scorer. Instead, he has been admired for his versatility, creativity, and work rate. These qualities often made him more of a supporting striker than a primary goal-scorer, leading to calls for Arsenal to consider signing a more clinical centre-forward. However, the 27-year-old seems to have taken this criticism to heart and has now demonstrated that he can be the reliable goal-scorer the Gunners need with another two goals this evening against Crystal Palace.
Merson, speaking during the BBC’s broadcast of Arsenal’s latest game, noted a noticeable shift in Jesus’ approach on the pitch. The former Arsenal midfielder said:
“Gabriel Jesus has changed his game. He is getting in the box more. He was in the box so much today, and he has realised that assists aren’t enough to get him in this Arsenal team.”
This observation underscores the adjustment Jesus has made to his game. Previously, the Brazilian was known for dropping deep to link up play or drifting wide to create chances for teammates. While these traits were valuable, they often left Arsenal without a consistent presence in the penalty area. Now, Jesus appears to be prioritising his positioning inside the box, where he can capitalise on chances and increase his goal tally.
For Mikel Arteta, this transformation could be a game-changer. Arsenal has an array of creative players who can supply opportunities for their strikers, and having Jesus consistently in goal-scoring positions makes the team more dangerous. His recent run of goals has boosted Arsenal’s attack and provided a timely reminder of his quality.
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Gabriel Martinelli expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, calling it a deserved result for the Gunners. The Brazilian forward played a key role as Arsenal ran out impressive winners against the Eagles for the second time in a week.
Palace has always been a tough side to face, particularly at Selhurst Park, where the home crowd creates a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams. However, Arsenal entered the match determined to prove their superiority and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season.
The game started with high energy from both sides, but Arsenal gradually took control. Mikel Arteta’s men pressed aggressively, moved the ball quickly, and created scoring opportunities. Despite Palace’s efforts to disrupt their rhythm, the Gunners’ quality shone through. Arsenal’s attacking players, including Martinelli, were clinical in front of goal, with the Brazilian consistently causing problems for the opposition’s defence.
By the end of the match, the 5-1 scoreline reflected the clear gap in class between the two teams. Arsenal’s attack was relentless, but just as impressive was their defensive discipline, which limited Crystal Palace’s ability to threaten on the counter. This balance between attack and defence is something Arteta has worked hard to instil in his team.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Speaking after the match, Martinelli praised the collective effort of the squad. He told Premier League Productions:
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Arsenal earned a superb 5-1 win at Crystal Palace this evening, with most of their players delivering impressive performances. Here are our player ratings:
David Raya – 8.0
Raya was in outstanding form, denying Jean-Philippe Mateta from close range and making at least two crucial saves from Ismaila Sarr.
Jurrien Timber – 7.0
He had a solid game defensively but needs to improve his support for the attack.
William Saliba – 6.0
Saliba was uncharacteristically troubled by Mateta and Sarr today. Not his best performance.
Gabriel – 7.5
Gabriel was at his dependable best, contributing not only in defence but also impressively in the attack.
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Arsenal secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this evening.
Facing the same opponent for the second time in just a few days, Arsenal started brightly, with the in-form Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring within six minutes.
It was the perfect start for Arsenal, but just five minutes later, the Gunners were pegged back by a goal from Ismaila Sarr.
Palace showed they are a resilient side, but Arsenal quickly regained the lead three minutes later, with Jesus scoring again.
Arsenal knew they needed to shift into a higher gear to pull away from their hosts, and they did just that as they continued to dominate proceedings.
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It seems Arsenal’s injury problems are easing at last so Arteta should have a much bigger squad to choose from today, especiaaly in defence. A lot of fans are clamouring for Jesus to start again after his hat trick against the same opponents in midweek, but I’m not too sure he will do that from the start as he has a lot of top players that were rested on Wednesday.
So this is the team I think Arteta will start with….
David Raya (GK)
Jurrien Timber
Gabriel
William Saliba
Lewis-Skelly
Thomas Partey
Declan Rice
Martin Ødegaard ©
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The Carabao Cup semi-finals draw took place Thursday night after our noisy neighbors Spurs beat Manchester United 4-3.
We were drawn to face Newcastle in the Semi-finals, with the first leg set for The Emirates Stadium. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will clash in the other semi-final.
Yes, the Magpies have been a difficult opponent in recent times, but we have to go in strong and get the job done.
I don’t know about you, but this is absolutely the ideal outcome and draw for us, and here’s why:
– Newcastle will go into that game with Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär suspended for the first leg at home.
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