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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

What Gabriel Jesus did to Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka after Arsenal win vs Man United

Everything Mikel Arteta does turns to gold.

His Arsenal side have bypassed one of the toughest weeks of their season with flying colours and show no signs of stopping anytime soon. What perhaps makes it even more impressive is that the Gunners aren't yet at full strength.

There may well be a question as to if even with the return of Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus they would be this good but that isn't something that needs answering right now. They are winning without those two and are doing so in style.

READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah's form, title hopes and Jakub Kiwior transfer

Such is the squad harmony that Arteta has created, Eddie Nketiah has shut down thoughts that he would be the undoing of the incredible early season form. The 23-year-old has never been the star of the side and isn't as flashy as Jesus. It was only understandable that when someone as important as the Brazilian was ruled out that alarm bells would ring.

Now, five matches into the post-World Cup portion of the Premier League season and Nketiah has almost matched Jesus' goal tally. In all competitions the Hale End graduate has more (nine) than Jesus (five) and has done more than simply being a place holder.

Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, are now in a position whereby they are favourites to win the league together yet again but this time in London rather than Manchester. As an example of how well they have come into this Arsenal set-up, Jesus' celebrations at full time after the dramatic 3-2 win over Manchester United show it all.

The 25-year-old ran onto the pitch to join his teammates in jovial hugs and congratulations all-round, picking out Zinchenko and giving him a massive bear hug before moving on. Bukayo Saka was next. A quick handshake later and Saka screamed 'come on' before being picked up by Jesus (hopefully not doing his injury any damage.)

Gabriel Martinelli then joined the love-in and nearly jumped on Jesus with all his happiness. Finally the forward backed off and waited for Nketiah to make his way off the field - like a batsman being applauded off after a brilliant innings - and then Jesus and Marquinhos crowded the matchwinner, patting him on the back.

Scenes of this sort of jubilation have been long missing from the Emirates Stadium and this may well have been the day that supporters truly started to believe. The players look like they feel the same, too.

Body*

by Sam Truelove
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