‘It’s now about consistency’- Arteta wants Jesus to push on after hattrick against Palace

Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the Carabao Cup, with Gabriel Jesus scoring a hattrick, but Mikel Arteta now wants to see more from the Brazilian.

Jesus hadn’t scored since October before tonight, so to bag three and win the game for his team would have been a huge confidence boost, but Arteta says more has to come: “It’s now about consistency. Now this is a moment of spark that will bring so much confidence, not only to him, but to the team as well that we can rely on him to change games.

“Now we need to take it and give him more games and chances. We need to give him more chances because when a player is in that moment it’s important to continue that.”

Expanding on Jesus, the Arsenal manager said: “I’m so pleased for him. It’s been a long period for him without goals and today, to score three goals, the three types of goals that he scored – and the many actions he was involved in – he looked very sharp. I think it’s a great thing for him and the team that we can rely on a player of such quality.”

Once again, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were massively involved in the game. Neither started, but Odegaard came on at half-time and Saka in the 70th minute. And between them they got all three assists for Jesus’ goals.

Speaking on Arsenal’s reliance on the duo, Arteta said: “They are two of our best players. But we rely on the team and we rely on a lot of individuals like every other team to perform, to change games, to help us to impact the teams and help us when they’re coming from the bench. It’s really good to see as well.”