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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Gabriel Jesus waiting in the Arsenal tunnel says a lot about Mikel Arteta's team

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah looked like the happiest man on earth as he made his way off the pitch to shouts of "Eddie, Eddie" ringing out around a jubilant Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The forward, who netted a brace and the all-important stoppage-time winner for the Gunners against Manchester United, was the last man to leave the field of play as he wanted to savour the moment for as long as possible.

There have been question marks over Nketiah and whether he is genuinely good enough to stand in for £50million summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who had been leading the line for Arsenal in their quest for a first Premier League title in 19 years prior to getting injured.

Gabriel Jesus celebrated with his Arsenal teammates on the pitch (Sky Sports)

Nketiah silenced his doubters in one of Arsenal's hardest tests to date this season with the Gunners' opener in the first half - cancelling out Marcus Rashford's effort - and the match-winning strike.

One man it seems who has never doubted Nketiah is Jesus, who was spotted on the pitch at full-time celebrating the victory with his Arsenal teammates.

And the Brazilian made a point of waiting for Nketiah - who is technically now his competition for a place in the first team - and congratulating him on his performance.

It says a lot about the spirit of this Arsenal team who are favourites to win the title.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was equally delighted with the result, which puts his side five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over champions Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus waited just by the tunnel for Eddie Nketiah, who is hidden from view in front of him (Sky Sports)

He told Sky Sports: "Mentally and emotionally we were really composed and really determined at the same time. We managed the moments in the game really well.

"We never panicked, we kept believing and doing the same things, even better than before and we always believed we could win it.

"Emotional, a lot of passion and a lot of quality, it doesn't get much better than that.

"After the derby to come here against this team and play the way we did and the performance, especially in the second half and to win in that way was incredible."

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