Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus went into 'Lionel Messi mode' for opener v Bournemouth

Arsenal fans were understandably ecstatic when the club announced the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer.

The Gunners spent a cool £45 million to bring the striker to north London and they’re already reaping the rewards.

Last season, Arsenal lacked a real presence up top, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring only two goals from open play in Premier League action.

But in 2022/23, things looks very, very different for Mikel Arteta’s side.

At home against Leicester City last weekend, Jesus was involved in all four of Arsenal’s goals, scoring two and assisting the same number in a resounding 4-2 win.

Jesus brings far more than to the team than just stats as well.

Against Bournemouth in Saturday’s early kick-off, the 25-year-old old produced some outstanding play in the build-up to Martin Odegaard’s early opener.

The Brazil international won’t be credited with the assist, but the goal was all about him.

Jesus went into ‘Lionel Messi mode’ to create the scoring opportunity, producing the most outrageous of first touches and then dancing past a number of Bournemouth players.

His slide-rule pass into Gabriel Martinelli’s path wasn’t bad either…

Gabriel Jesus produces a ridiculous run before a reverse pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who has his initial shot saved, but Martin Ødegaard slots in the rebound to put Arsenal ahead!