Journalist Jordan Campbell was amazed by something he saw one Arsenal star do against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
Two moments of quality meant that Arsenal were able to battle to a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first-leg of this Champions League quarter-final.
In the 12th minute, Bukayo Saka was able to put the Gunners ahead with a brilliant finish into the bottom corner.
After that, though, Mikel Arteta’s side seemed to succumb to nerves as the scale of the occasion got to them. The North London club have not competed that this stage in Europe’s elite club competition in 14 years, and their inexperience at this level was obvious as two mistakes allowed Bayern Munich to turn the scoreline around by virtue of a Serge Gnabry goal and a Harry Kane penalty.
How Mikel Arteta used his bench to save Arsenal against Bayern Munich
Although the Arsenal players were being supported by a fired-up Emirates Stadium fanbase, they looked nervy and uncomfortable in that atmosphere up until the break.
In the second half, Arteta turned to his bench for some extra experience. In the 66th minute, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard took to the field in place of Gabriel Martinelli and Jorginho.
The attacking duo were able to combine in another moment of quality to get the Gunners level. With 76 minutes on the clock, Jesus dazzled with some quick feet in the penalty area, before showing the awareness to lay the ball into the path of the onrushing Belgian. The former Brighton man was then able to grab his second goal in as many games as he stroked the balled beyond Manuel Neuer.
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Gabriel Jesus hailed for impact v Bayern Munich
Trossard has been labelled the best finisher in the Arsenal squad and he demonstrated his class in this regard as he picked out the bottom corner at a crucial moment.
However, Jesus deserves so much credit for his role in this goal. In a tight, congested space, the Brazilian was able to keep his head, exert his technical ability, and make the right decision in the moment.
The 27-year-old may not be the most prolific forward himself, but his class and ability is beyond doubt. There have been question marks about Jesus’ future at Arsenal, but when he was needed to deliver and change the game against Bayern Munich he did exactly that.
Jordan Campbell heaped praise on the attacker for his involvement in the equalising goal. Writing on X, the reporter said, “that is sensational from Jesus. He thinks so quickly in those situations it’s frightening.”
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