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‘Tears in My Eyes’: Gabriel Jesus Delivers Dream Night as Arsenal Conquer San Siro

Gabriel Jesus admitted emotions overwhelmed him on a landmark European night after his two-goal display powered Arsenal to a convincing 3–1 victory over Inter Milan, sealing qualification for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with authority.

For Jesus, the performance carried a deeper meaning. The Brazilian was making just his third start since returning in December from an 11-month absence caused by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, a setback that once again stalled a career defined as much by resilience as by talent. Despite spending four seasons in north London, the 28-year-old has previously admitted he feels he has only truly played “one and a half or two” campaigns because of recurring injuries.

At the San Siro, however, there were no signs of hesitation. Jesus looked sharp, decisive, and ruthless—qualities Arsenal have missed at times this season. His brace not only guided Mikel Arteta’s side to a club-record seventh consecutive Champions League victory, but also ended a personal drought of 10 European appearances without a goal, his last coming against Lens in November 2023.

The setting made the moment even more special. Having grown up watching Serie A, Jesus described scoring in Milan as the fulfilment of a childhood dream, acknowledging that his long spell on the sidelines had reshaped his outlook on both football and life.

Arsenal’s attacking depth was also on display late on, as Viktor Gyökeres added a composed curling finish to cap the win. It marked the first time this season that two recognised centre-forwards had scored in the same match for the Gunners, underlining the growing competition and variety in Arteta’s frontline. Gyökeres’ strike was only his second from open play in 13 matches, yet recent goals suggest his confidence is slowly returning, while the fit-again Kai Havertz offers another option.

Arteta was quick to highlight Jesus’ wider impact, stressing that his return raises both individual and collective belief. Statistically, the night further cemented Jesus’ reputation on the European stage: his goals in Milan took him to 26 in the Champions League, achieved in just 53 appearances—numbers bettered among Brazilians at the same stage only by Neymar and Jardel.

Former Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf praised the striker’s mentality, noting that genuine competition within a winning team ultimately benefits everyone. Wayne Rooney echoed that sentiment, suggesting Jesus has given his manager a clear selection headache ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming domestic clash.

For Arsenal, this was more than another European win. It was a statement of control, maturity, and renewed attacking confidence—delivered on one of football’s most iconic stages.

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