Mikel Arteta On The Big Boost To Title Challenge

Mikel Arteta has hailed the return of Gabriel Jesus as a significant boost to Arsenal’s title challenge this season. The Gunners secured a 3-0 away victory over Fulham on Sunday, which saw them reclaim their five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League table.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard were on target for Arsenal, while Leandro Trossard provided a hat-trick of assists. With 15 minutes left to play, Arteta brought on Gabriel Jesus for his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt in around four months.

The Brazil international had been sidelined due to injury since after the World Cup in December 2022. However, Arteta was thrilled to see him back and looking sharp, describing his return as a “big boost” for the club’s title aspirations.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta revealed that he was uncertain whether the Fulham fixture was the right match for Jesus to make his comeback. But after speaking with the player, the Arsenal manager decided to take the risk.

“A few days ago, he said to me, ‘I’m still missing something’,” Mikel Arteta said. “Yesterday, I looked him in his eyes, and he said, ‘I’m ready.’ So I said, ‘Okay.’ So then we had the opportunity to throw him in, which is the first step to giving him that boost.”

The return of Jesus could not have come at a better time for Arsenal, who are still in the race for the Premier League title. With Manchester City breathing down their necks, Arteta will be hoping that the Brazilian can help inspire his side to victory in the crucial fixtures ahead.