Gabriel Jesus inspired Arsenal to a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, scoring twice to send the Gunners into the Champions League last 16 and mathematically secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.
The Brazilian striker delivered two close-range goals in the first half at the San Siro, capping a dominant display that marked Arsenal’s seventh consecutive league-phase win.
Mikel Arteta handed Jesus a rare start ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, and the decision paid off handsomely. Gyokeres, who has endured a difficult season, later added Arsenal’s third with a well-taken effort in the 84th minute to seal the result. Jesus, however, was the standout performer, posing a constant threat and looking sharp throughout the contest.
The 28-year-old had started only twice this season prior to the match but showed signs of rediscovering his best form after returning from a serious cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
His opener came in the 10th minute when he reacted quickest to poke home after Jurrien Timber’s mishit effort, registering his first Champions League goal since November 2023.
Inter responded swiftly through a stunning long-range strike from Petar Sucic in the 18th minute, shifting momentum as the hosts grew into the game. Sucic later missed a gilt-edged chance after being played through by Lautaro Martinez, hesitating before setting up Marcus Thuram, who blazed his effort over the bar.
That miss proved costly. Arsenal punished Inter’s lack of concentration from a set-piece in the 31st minute, with Jesus left unmarked at the far post to score his second after Bukayo Saka’s looping corner was headed onto the crossbar by Leandro Trossard.
Inter continued to push, with Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both testing Arsenal’s defence, but the visitors remained composed. Gyokeres eventually settled the contest on the counter-attack, allowing Arsenal to look ahead confidently to Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United.
With 21 points, Arsenal now sit six points clear at the top of the standings ahead of Bayern Munich, while Inter drop to eighth after suffering a third consecutive European defeat for the first time in their history, leaving their top-eight hopes in jeopardy.
What you should know
Arsenal’s win over Inter Milan confirmed their place in the Champions League last 16 and underlined their growing consistency in Europe this season.
Gabriel Jesus’ return to form after a long injury layoff adds a significant attacking boost ahead of a crucial domestic run, while Mikel Arteta now faces selection decisions with Manchester United looming.
Inter’s defeat exposed ongoing struggles in high-profile matches, raising concerns about their ability to secure automatic qualification and maintain momentum across competitions.
