Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's Carabao Cup victory has 'unlocked' crucial Gunners star
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted after Gabriel Jesus ended his nine-month goal drought in the Gunners' 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston on Wednesday
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorMikel Arteta is confident that Gabriel Jesus will get back to his best after he ended his goal drought in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Preston.
Jesus scored Arsenal's opener as they set up a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace, with the goal his first in nine months. And Arteta is hopeful that the strike will "unlock" Jesus' potential ahead of key run of games
"I'm very happy," Arteta said when asked about Jesus' goal and performance. "I think it's going to unlock that for him, he looks really happy. He's performing, that attitude is there always, but he need that feeling that he can put the ball in the back of the net."
And Jesus has insisted he is now "more focused on goals", with the forward vowing to make the most of every opportunity he is given this season. "When people say [it is my first goal] since January, it looks like it's a long, long time," he admitted.
"Obviously, it's nine months and I understand. But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager] or something like that, I am just saying the truth.
"But I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there. Then when I have my opportunities to play my minutes, I try to help the team and also I think now I am more focused on goals.
"Before I was less focused, but now I am more focused to shoot because before I didn't shoot a lot. Now, I think what has changed for me is I try to look for the goal. It's good to be back scoring and obviously I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.
"I am the type of guy who works, always. Obviously I am not happy when I don't play. I am not happy when I play and score, and the team don't win. I always want to work, work, work and then I improve where I have to improve.
"Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff, that people don't understand. They are not in the club, they don’t understand, but I am not here to make excuses. I am here to work, try to be fit and then, like I said, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win."
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