Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Gabriel Jesus’ match-winning performance against Sevilla by declaring: “Big games are for big players”.
Jesus scored one and set-up another as the Gunners beat Sevilla 2-1 to go top of Group B and get their Champions League campaign back on track.
The striker, who was taken off towards the end after tweaking his hamstring, was named man of the match and Arteta said nights like these are why Arsenal signed him.
“Big games are for big players,” he said. “He needed to produce those moments to win in a stadium like this.
“He came here for a reason. I think he changed our world. He brought so much belief and energy to that team.
“He needs to step in in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team.
“He’s paramount. He has changed our energy. These games are for big players. He has shown that tonight.
“We need those players to win games. If you want to play Manchester City, then go to Stamford Bridge, then come here - that’s the level we’re at right now. To come here and win, big credit to the boys.”
The only downer for Arsenal after Jesus’ performance was that the Brazilian was taken off with nine minutes to go.
The striker felt an issue with his hamstring and asked to be taken off, with Arteta admitting he is “worried” about it.
“He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because Gabriel is not a player who does that at all,” said Arteta. “We will have to wait and see in the next few days.”
Speaking about the possible injury himself, Jesus added: “I felt something. Let’s see.
“I did some tests with the physio, it looks not that big, but let’s see. I have a scan, maybe tomorrow. I’m pretty sure it will be nothing.”
