Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal secured a place in the Champions League last 16 with a 3–1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday, a result that also guaranteed the Gunners a top-eight finish in the league phase.
The Brazilian struck twice from close range in the first half to earn Arsenal a seventh consecutive league-phase win, handing manager Mikel Arteta a welcome selection headache ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Jesus started in place of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who struggled to impose himself but sealed the win with a composed finish in the 84th minute. The former Manchester City forward was a constant threat throughout the match, underlining his return to form after a long absence through injury.
The 28-year-old had started just twice this season prior to the trip to Milan but looked sharp after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
Arsenal moved to 21 points, a tally that effectively secured qualification even before kick-off, with 16 points enough to guarantee a top-eight finish last season. Jesus’ brace also pushed the Gunners six points clear at the summit, ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich, who host Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.
Inter briefly levelled through a stunning Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, but the Serie A leaders suffered a third straight Champions League defeat for the first time in their history and sit eighth, with several teams capable of overtaking them.
The hosts were punished for missed chances when Jesus restored Arsenal’s lead in the 31st minute, left unmarked at the far post to finish a well-worked set piece after Bukayo Saka’s corner was headed onto the crossbar by Leandro Trossard.
Inter continued to push, with Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both going close, but Gyokeres struck on the counter late on to wrap up the victory.
The defeat raises further questions for Cristian Chivu’s side, who again faltered in a high-profile fixture, while Arsenal’s convincing display allows them to turn their attention confidently to Sunday’s showdown with United.
AFP
