Arsenal celebrated their Champions League qualification in style as they beat Inter Milan thanks to Gabriel Jesus and Victor Djokeres.
After that, the Gunners already received confirmation of their place in the top eight of the league stage Manchester City’s shocking defeat to Bodo/Glimt earlier in the day.
However, Jesus’ heroics continued the Gunners’ perfect record in Europe this season while also giving them momentum ahead Sunday clash with Manchester Uniteda game that saw Jesus now firmly in contention to start from Giokeres before the Swede restored his credentials with a late strike.
Mikel Arteta made seven changes to his starting XI with the visit of Michael Carrick’s side at the weekend on the horizon, although there were starts for a number of key names including William Saliba, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.
However, it was Jesus who stole the show, seizing the initiative to give his side an early lead as he got on the end of Jurien Timberlake’s deflected effort and slotted the ball past Yann Sommer – his first Champions League goal since April 2024.
Gabriel Jesus’ brace could be enough for him to start against Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Inter soon equalized as the visitors failed to clear their lines, allowing Petar Sucic to fire into the top corner from all of 20 yards.
Petar Sučić equalized for Inter against Arsenal with a well-executed shot
It wouldn’t be a game for Arsenal without a set-piece goal, which came just after the half-hour mark as Leandro Trossard powered the ball back across the penalty area from a corner, giving Jesus the simple task of scoring from close range.
Gabriel Jesus is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the second goal against Inter
Inter continued to trouble Arsenal on the break, which may have been a positive for Carrick and United who looked so lethal on the counter attack against Manchester City but failed to break down the Gunners for the second time on the night.
Sunday, January 25, 4:00 p.m
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The hosts would eventually be punished as substitute Giokeres combined with Sacco before finding the top corner in what was the perfect response to Jesus’ effort.
Viktor Gjokeres came off the bench and scored Arsenal’s third goal against Inter Milan
That, as well as a decision on whether to keep Jesus out, is a matter for another day for Arteta as his side secured a top-two finish in the league stage with the win, while Inter hang on to the top eight by the slimmest of margins.
More to come…