LONDON - An injury to Bukayo Saka ahead of a busy festive fixture list cast a shadow over Arsenal's 5-1 Premier League romp at Crystal Palace on Dec 21 but if manager Mikel Arteta was worried about that, at least Gabriel Jesus' form offered some comfort.
Before the League Cup quarter-final against Palace on Dec 18, the former Manchester City forward had scored only once in his previous 33 appearances for Arsenal.
But the Brazilian bagged a hat-trick in the 3-2 win at the Emirates in midweek and was razor sharp again with two more at Selhurst Park.
This helped third-placed Arsenal close to three points behind league leaders Liverpool, ahead of the Reds' trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Dec 22. The result of that match was not available at press time.
Should Saka, Arsenal's player of the season so far, be out for a significant time with a hamstring injury, an in-form Jesus will certainly be needed.
This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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