Ange Postecoglou singled out ‘alert’ and ‘instinctive’ Gabriel Jesus for praise after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Inter Milan.
Ex-Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Postecoglou watched Arsenal’s European victory with interest as UEFA’s Technical Observer.
UEFA often appoint out of labor managers to analyse Champions League games, with Sir Gareth Southgate, Roy Hodgson and Thomas Tuchel all previously performing the role.
Jesus scored twice on Tuesday night to assist Arsenal beat Inter 3-1 and maintain their perfect record within the Champions League ahead of their final group game next week.
A primary-half double from Jesus included the Brazilian’s first Champions League goal since 2023, while Viktor Gyokeres added a 3rd as Arsenal sealed their seventh successive win within the competition.
Jesus scored his first goal since Recent 12 months’s Day 2025 in last month’s Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta opted to begin Jesus on the San Siro amid concerns over Gyokeres’ form and the ex-Manchester City striker was singled out for praise by Postecoglou.
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‘Gabriel Jesus’ alertness within the box gave Arsenal a innovative to enrich their ability to create opportunities from various avenues,’ Postecoglou wrote in his UEFA report of the match.
‘Each goals were instinctive. The primary was from a mis-hit shot that he was capable of capitalise on and the second from a rebound off the crossbar.
‘Each are an indication of a goalscorer’s instincts as, while others are watching, he’s anticipating a chance to attain.’
Jesus said it was a ‘dream’ to attain on the San Siro and contribute to a powerful Arsenal Champions League win.
‘As a child I at all times watched Serie A and I used to be dreaming to play here,’ he said. ‘It’s a dream night, to attain here, it’s like tears in my eyes.’
Jesus will hope to proceed his goalscoring form on Sunday when Premier League leaders Arsenal face Manchester United.
Gyokeres has generally kept his place within the team despite a subdued begin to his Gunners profession but Alan Shearer believes Jesus deserves to begin Sunday’s clash on the Emirates Stadium.
Asked if Jesus will start over Gyokeres against United, Shearer said on Amazon Prime: ‘Well, the easy answer is yes.
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‘If you rating two goals and your club have desperately needed that in a troublesome environment. He’s provide you with two really, really clever finishes and the reply is totally yes.
‘It’s what you’re brought into do – to make a difference, to attain goals and he’s done that.’
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has also urged Arteta to play Jesus over Gyokeres, insisting from a selfish viewpoint he would somewhat the ex-Sporting striker start against his former club.
‘His anticipation and his little movements contained in the penalty box, he’s a really clever player,’ Rooney said of Jesus, who won 4 Premier League titles at Man City.
‘If I used to be Gabriel Jesus now, I’d be there now saying, “I would like to begin the sport on Sunday!”
‘He’s put himself able where he’s come here, he’s scored two goals, he’s played very well tonight. So if I used to be him, I’d be putting it within the manager’s mind that I really need to play.
‘In fact, you respect your team-mates, but you wish to be playing in those big games.
‘Mikel Arteta goes to see that interview from Gabriel Jesus and that was a chance for Gabriel Jesus.
‘If that was me, I’d be saying to Mikel Arteta, “I would like to play on Sunday! I’ve just scored two goals on the San Siro, I’ve helped win is the sport and I would like to be in that starting line-up.”‘
Arsenal play host to Manchester United sitting seven points clear at the highest of the Premier League, while Michael Carrick’s United are fifth after a powerful derby win over Man City.
The Gunners beat United 1-0 within the reverse fixture back on the opening day of the season due to Riccardo Calafiori’s early goal.
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