Gabriel Jesus opens up on ‘scary’ Arsenal return in Brighton win | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus admitted that making his return from injury was a “scary” experience as Arsenal defeated Brighton to go back to the top of the Premier League table. 

The Brazilian forward spent 11 months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at the beginning of the year.

Jesus made his first appearance since January when he came off the bench against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League earlier this month and was given his first start of the season in midweek as the Gunners reached the last four of the League Cup.

The 28-year-old replaced Viktor Gyokeres with 20 minutes to go in Saturday’s win over the Seagulls as Arsenal secured a 2-1 win at home.

Gabriel Jesus opens up on ‘scary’ Arsenal return from injury

“I’m very happy, I’m very excited as well because there are still a lot of games to play,” Jesus told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle.

“I’m feeling great and after 11 months out I still need energy, but with the ball I can trust in myself again and I’m very happy with the way I have come back.”

He added: “I’m happy that I have come back strong, I’m here and I’m still alive, I thank Jesus that he helped me in these moments. It was scary to come back, I was afraid that I would have limitations, so thank God.”

Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhães also made a return from injury, entering the match as part of a double substitution alongside his compatriot. Jesus believes the centre-back can have a huge impact on their hunt for the Premier League title.

“As everyone could see, it changed our back line when he came on. We had been conceding chances but when he stepped on the pitch you can see the difference, he is a leader, he is a beast at defending. It is a massive, massive boost for us that he is coming back.”

The victory sees Arsenal jump back above Manchester City in the table after City temporarily took top spot with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest earlier in the day.

“Everyone knows how tough it is to play in the Premier League, to fight up there,” Jesus continued. “Manchester City have won a lot, now we are more experienced, we have a bigger squad. It’s amazing to be [top] and chasing the Premier League. That is where Arsenal belongs. I hope it happens and I hope it happens this year.”

Read – Where every team top of the Premier League at Christmas finished the season

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