It’s been exactly a year and a day since he last scored in front of his home crowd. The Brazilian didn’t have a great 2024 but finished on a high by helping Arsenal reach the League Cup semi-finals.
Before Wednesday’s game, Gabriel Jesus had started 35 games in 2024. He did so mostly as a late-game wildcard, but still managed to accumulate more than 1,350 minutes. However, he only scored two goals in around 15 full appearances.
In the Premier League, the former Manchester City striker last made his mark in January, when he opened the scoring against Nottingham Forest.
He then scored his last goal in the current edition of the League Cup, when he helped the Gunners eliminate Preston in October. His last goal at the Emirates Stadium dates back to a year ago, on 17 December 2023, when he scored in a 2-0 win against Brighton.
Jesus has never been considered a great scorer, but in the English championship he has regularly reached the 10 goal mark per season. Now it seems like he’s reminiscing about the good old days once again. In Wednesday’s quarter-final of the aforementioned cup against Crystal Palace, he was Arsenal’s key player and deservedly scored a hat-trick in the 3-2 final.
Ödegaard’s hand
Two of the Sao Paulo native’s three centers had the same denominator: Martin Ödegaard’s assist. “Martin gave me two fantastic balls”, commented Jesus speaking of his partner’s skill. “His quality is incredible. He is the type of player who can put you in the net. I told him: ‘Martin, I know your qualities, so I will put myself at your service. When there is space, I run in that direction. look, I’ll be ready'”ha added the Brazilian.
The second goal was decisive, which turned the game around. There is no VAR system in the EFL Cup, so the assistant referee’s decision was valid. The fact that his position was dubious does not change the quality of Jesus’ conclusion.
“Against Monaco I missed two clear chances. I was disappointed, but I kept a clear and strong mind and worked with coach Hussein, who told me: ‘Gabby, you have the qualities, you have to be calm and you will score'” , said the hero of the match.
He dedicates it to his next child
In the end, Jesus managed to score three goals in one night, all in just 27 minutes. Perhaps also thanks to a special motivation. Before kickoff, he walked onto the pitch with his daughter.
“It’s a special moment. I had the pressure on me to score. I entered the pitch with my daughter who gave me strength and a smile, everything. Then I was able to score, celebrate with my family and dedicate my goals to my next son “added the footballer, who two days ago announced on Instagram that he and his family were expecting the birth of another child.
