Mikel Arteta hails Gabriel Jesus after his goal in Arsenal’s win over Man United and insists Brazilian striker has got his ‘spark’ back
Mikel Arteta said Gabriel Jesus has his “spark” back and something to prove after the striker scored against Manchester United in Los Angeles tonight.
The Brazilian, who scored in the first half as Arsenal won the second friendly of their US tour 2-1, struggled with injuries last season.
The striker has been struggling with a recurring knee problem, which has affected his playing time and fitness.
“It’s a fact (he’s changed) and you can see it,” Arteta said. “The way he looks, his rhythm, his sharpness, the way he moves.
‘And you can also see in his eyes that there is a spark again, because he now has something to prove and that is good.
Mikel Arteta said Gabriel Jesus has his ‘spark’ back after his goal in the win over Man United
The Brazilian had a tough time with injuries last season and has something to prove this year
‘He looks really good. He looks really sharp. He’s changed a lot over the summer. He’s back in top condition.
“He has to be in that condition to get the best out of himself. He has realized that. And I am very happy with what he has shown again today.”
Asked if calls for Arsenal to sign a new striker had motivated Jesus, he said: ‘I think that motivation has to come from himself, with his demands on himself and how much better he can make the team. He’s shown it.
“He transformed the energy and belief of that team and he’s got it there. If he’s waiting for something external to motivate him, I think it’s going to be for a very short period of time.
“If it’s something internal that’s happening, it’s going to be long lasting and consistent. Hopefully that’s the case.”