Gabriel Jesus scored a elegant aim and created one other to earn Arsenal an vital 2-1 Champions League win over Sevilla on Tuesday, making up for his or her shock defeat at Lens earlier in October.
The Brazilian striker crafted Gabriel Martinelli’s opener with a masterful flip and go after which doubled the Gunners’ lead with a deadly end, as Mikel Arteta’s aspect moved high of Group B.
Arsenal moved as much as six factors, one forward of Lens, with the French aspect drawing 1-1 at residence towards PSV Eindhoven, who’re degree on two factors with Sevilla.
Diego Alonso’s workforce put up a spirited displaying within the Uruguayan’s second match in cost, following their spectacular and intense efficiency in a draw towards La Liga leaders Actual Madrid on Saturday.
Nonetheless, Arsenal had extra leading edge in assault and Jesus’ high quality made the distinction in an entertaining conflict in Andalusia — he has scored in every of his workforce’s matches within the competitors.
Sevilla boasted earlier than kick-off with banners hailing their document seven Europa League triumphs, however within the coronary heart of their defence additionally they have a four-time Champions League winner in Sergio Ramos.
The 37-year-old martialled the defence nicely because the hosts saved Arteta’s aspect at bay for almost all of the primary half, which was bookended by Martinelli possibilities.
Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved the primary, darting off his line rapidly to deflect Martinelli’s shot again off the striker and out for a aim kick.
The hosts took management in driving rain on the rowdy Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with Lucas Ocampos flicking vast and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya trying unsure underneath stress, giving the ball away on a number of events.
Arteta defended the Spain worldwide after he made two errors in Saturday’s Premier League draw at Chelsea, with some followers demanding to see Aaron Ramsdale restored in aim, however the coach caught together with his compatriot.
Sevilla carved out their finest likelihood of the primary interval moments earlier than Arsenal took the lead, with Youssef En-Nesyri dragging an effort narrowly vast after breaking into the realm.
After one other Sevilla assault was lower quick in stoppage time, Gabriel Jesus turned brilliantly in midfield to confound two Sevilla gamers and open up the pitch, earlier than springing Martinelli by on aim with a fast go.
The Brazilian confirmed composure to spherical Nyland and slot residence on his Champions League debut with Ramos unable to catch him in pursuit.
Jesus decisive
Arsenal final certified for the match in 2017 and Arteta’s younger aspect’s inexperience instructed of their defeat by Lens after having taken the lead, nevertheless this time they rapidly discovered a second aim.
The in any other case quiet Martin Odegaard lashed over the bar early within the second half earlier than Jesus dribbled into the field from the left flank and brilliantly thrashed a shot into the far high nook throughout Nyland.
Sevilla pulled one again simply earlier than the hour mark when Nemanja Gudelj headed residence from Ivan Rakitic’s nook previous the immobile Raya.
The Arsenal goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to tip Mariano Diaz’s effort on to the crossbar, though it will have been dominated out for a foul had it discovered a approach in.
Sevilla beat Manchester United and Juventus final season at residence of their Europa League run and refused to offer in with out making an attempt all the pieces, with former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela booked for diving within the space.
They turned the screw within the remaining levels, however Arsenal clung on for victory.