Gabriel Jesus says he is a different player when he has a “smile on his face” after another brilliant display for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.

Fresh from his hat-trick in the Gunners’ 3-2 EFL Cup win over the Eagles on Wednesday night, the Brazil international netted twice in the opening 14 minutes to help the visitors to a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were also on target for Arsenal and Ismaila Sir netted for Palace.

It was Jesus’ first goal in the league in 2024 and signaled that his midweek exploits had injected confidence.

Arsenal close the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea 🤏

🔜 Everton vs Chelsea, Sunday 14:00 GMT
🔜 Spurs vs Liverpool, Sunday 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024

He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the first goal was very important. The way we started, the whole team was ready to play really well and fight. They have a strong team and quality players and we know it is always difficult to come here. We worked and I’m very happy with goal number nine, I know the pressure to score is always there. I’m happy, but the win today, the three points, was massive.

“I am a person who wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two in the net and missed one which I would dream of. When I play with a smile on my face everything is different so I try to keep my mind strong and help the team. I understand that I have to be more in the box to complete the action.”

Patience pays off

Jesus had to persevere to earn a place in the first XI, especially as a striker, often deployed in a wide left position.

He added: “It’s great to be back in the team playing more. I am experienced enough and know that when a player plays consistently it is different. I am happy to get more chances but it is up to me to put myself in the right positions to score. It’s Arsenal, it’s a huge club and I know there’s pressure to score for the number nine.

Saka worries for Arsenal

The only negative on an otherwise perfect evening for Arsenal was the hamstring injury suffered by Bukayo Saka which forced him off after 24 minutes.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, whose side are now just three points behind leaders Liverpool but have played two games more, said: “I don’t know. He had to come out because he felt something. It’s obviously not good news. We have to evaluate it.”

Guehi disappointed with Palace display

The defeat was a blow for a Palace side that has shown signs of revival in recent weeks.

England defender Mark Guehy believes sloppiness in both areas contributed to his side’s defeat.

He told the PLP: “We are disappointed. It’s not nice to lose that way. The head is down and we have to go again. There are moments that we create for ourselves every single game, today we didn’t take it and they did.

“But I think tonight was about both of those boxes. When we look back on it we didn’t defend well and a top team like Arsenal will punish you. We have to go again, look at the areas we can improve and play this game with a pinch of salt.”