Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal secured a 3 to 1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night, sealing their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a game to spare.
The Brazilian forward, making only his third start of the season, delivered a composed and confident performance that underlined his growing influence after returning from a long injury layoff. His brace ensured the Gunners maintained their perfect run in the league phase and confirmed a top eight finish.
Arsenal took the lead in the 10th minute when Jesus reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box, poking home after Jurrien Timber’s initial effort was mishit. Inter responded eight minutes later through Petar Sucic, whose powerful strike from distance beat the Arsenal goalkeeper and briefly shifted momentum in favour of the hosts.
The visitors, however, regained control and were rewarded four minutes before the break. From a well worked corner routine, Bukayo Saka’s delivery was headed onto the crossbar by Leandro Trossard, with Jesus left unmarked to tap in from close range and restore Arsenal’s lead.
Inter pushed for another equaliser in the second half and created several openings through Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito, but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Arsenal’s defence consistently.
Arsenal sealed the win late on when Viktor Gyokeres, introduced from the bench, finished calmly on the counter attack in the 84th minute to make it 3 to 1 and silence the home crowd.
The result takes Arsenal to 21 points, comfortably above the qualification mark, and leaves them six points clear at the top of the table ahead of Bayern Munich’s fixture on Wednesday. Inter, meanwhile, sit eighth and face an uncertain path to automatic qualification after suffering a third consecutive European defeat.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will now turn his attention to Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, buoyed by a commanding European performance and renewed competition for places within his squad.
AFP
