Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Jesus is poised for a breakthrough after the Brazilian striker finally ended his nine-month goal drought in the Gunners’ commanding 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End. The forward’s long-awaited return to scoring form at Deepdale could mark a pivotal moment in his Arsenal career, according to his jubilant manager.
Jesus, who had gone 25 appearances without finding the net, displayed visible relief and joy upon scoring, emotions that were mirrored by his manager on the touchline. The goal represents more than just a statistical milestone; it potentially signals the rebirth of a striker whose Arsenal career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries since his arrival from Manchester City.
Speaking after the match, Arteta expressed his optimism about the psychological impact of Jesus breaking his drought. I’m very happy, I think it’s going to unlock that for him,” the Spanish manager enthused. “He looked really happy. He’s performing with the right attitude as always, but he needed that feeling that he can put the ball in the back of the net.”
The timing of Jesus’s return to scoring form couldn’t be more opportune for Arsenal, who are currently navigating through a challenging period with mounting injury concerns. The Brazilian’s limited Premier League involvement this season – just one start – reflects the careful management of his recovery, but his goal against Preston could prove the catalyst for increased participation in the Gunners’ title challenge.
The significance of Jesus finding his scoring touch extends beyond individual achievement. Since January, the forward has managed only 881 minutes of playing time, a reflection of the injury struggles that have hampered his ability to make a consistent impact. However, the manner of his performance against Preston suggested a player ready to put those frustrations behind him and reclaim his position as a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking lineup.
The goal itself served as a reminder of the natural striking instincts that prompted Arsenal to bring Jesus to the Emirates Stadium. More than just ending a personal drought, it demonstrated the qualities that make him such a valuable asset when fully fit: movement, positioning, and clinical finishing. These attributes will be crucial as Arsenal continue their pursuit of domestic and cup success this season.
Looking ahead, Jesus could be in line for increased involvement as Arsenal prepare for a challenging Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday. The timing of his return to scoring form is particularly fortuitous given Arsenal’s injury situation, potentially thrusting him into a more prominent role in the immediate future.
The cup success has also set up an intriguing quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in December, providing another opportunity for Jesus to build on his restored confidence. The prospect of a fully firing Jesus adds another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, offering Arteta tactical flexibility and proven goalscoring ability as the season enters its crucial middle phase.
For Jesus personally, ending this scoring drought represents more than just a statistical milestone. It marks a potential turning point after a challenging period in his career, one that has tested both his physical resilience and mental fortitude. The visible joy on his face upon scoring reflected not just relief but perhaps also the release of pent-up frustration from months of rehabilitation and waiting.
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of major honors this season, the return to form of Jesus could prove crucial. His experience, technical ability, and natural goalscoring instincts provide Arteta with a proven option in attack, one that could prove decisive in the tight matches that often determine the outcome of title races and cup competitions.
The challenge now for Jesus and Arsenal is to build on this moment, ensuring that this goal marks the beginning of a productive period rather than just a brief respite. With Arteta’s careful management and the player’s evident determination to succeed, the signs suggest that Gabriel Jesus might indeed be ready to unlock his full potential in an Arsenal shirt.
