Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus enjoys a two-goal advantage for Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus said he had “tears in my eyes” after scoring two assists Arsenal beats Inter Milan 3-1 His place in the Champions League round of 16 is guaranteed.

The 28-year-old was only making his third start since returning in December after an 11-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Jesus has been at Arsenal for four seasons, but feels like he has only played “a game and a half or two” after suffering a series of setbacks.

The Brazilian striker has shown flashes of his quality following his return, scoring an excellent fourth goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa last month, but against Inter, he looked like his best self.

“It’s a dream night,” Jesus told Amazon Prime after Arsenal maintained their perfect Champions League record this season with a seventh straight win in the competition.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched it when I was a kid. I watched a lot of Serie A matches, so to be here in this stadium and score here is tears in my eyes because I’ve always dreamed of being here.

“There’s always a reason why things happen, whether they’re good things or difficult things. I’ve learned that in my 11 months off the field.

“It’s always difficult to play against Inter Milan. We came here last season and lost. Tonight we played better than them, we dominated them but they are a big team and they attack.”

“We scored in the end and got the three points. We have to keep going because we have another point at the weekend.”

His two goals ended a run of 10 Champions League matches without scoring – the last of which came in a 6-0 win over Lens on 29 November 2023.

Gunners fans have been clamoring for Jesus to start since his return to full fitness, with Victor Gjukeres, who joined in the summer, struggling for form and goals.

The Swede scored in Milan with a stunning volley, but his late third goal for Arsenal was his second goal from open play in the last 13 games.

Despite this, Gyukiris has two goals in his last three games after scoring twice in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, while Kai Havertz offers another attacking option after returning from a knee injury.

“Everyone wants to start,” Jesus added. “I’m a very respectable man. I’m not a kid anymore, I’m 28, so I understand football.

“I’m very happy that Vic came on and scored a goal. I’m very happy that I scored a goal and Vic scored a goal. I’m confident Kai will score when he gets the chance.”