Mikel Arteta has hailed new signing Gabriel Jesus after his goal-scoring appearance in their pre-season win over Everton.
The Brazilian who joined the north London club this summer has scored three goals in two appearances for the Gunners. Following his latest performance his manager says he believes the player is the scrappy, ‘streetwise’ striker Arsenal have been missing.
“I love this kind of players,” Arteta said after the game in Baltimore on Saturday.
“He looks really sharp, really dynamic, a really good understanding with his teammates straight away. I’m really happy,’ Arteta said.
“I love these kind of players, they’re streetwise. That’s what we need.
“He creates chaos and uncertainty and is always on your shoulder, always there to nick the ball. He is a real threat.”
Against Everton, Jesus’ movement and intensity proved crucial. The Brazilian appeared to relish the physical battle with Everton defender Yerry Mina and the early signs suggest his bite and aggression will add a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
Arteta wants to deploy Jesus primarily as a No 9 but will make use of the forward’s versatility.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Frank Lampard has challenged Dele Alli to ‘keep his head down’ and prove his doubters wrong after a quiet 45 minutes against Arsenal.
“He’ll be saying he wants opportunities — you earn opportunities on the training ground and how you are around the place,” Lampard explained via Dailymail.
“He has to absolutely keep his head down. You try to give everything to every player as much as you can but then they have their own responsibilities to make the best of that.”
Lampard is hopeful of adding reinforcements to Everton’s squad soon.
“A lot of the work we’re doing now to bring in players will be pivotal,’ he said. ‘We need to improve the squad.”
