Arsenal are a different proposition with Gabriel Jesus… it’s no wonder Mikel Arteta looked so concerned when he limped off against Sevilla

• Gabriel Jesus produced two key moments to help Arsenal win 2-1 against Sevilla 
• The Brazilian limped off in the closing stages with a suspected hamstring injury 
• Follow Mail Sport’s new Arsenal WhatsApp channel for all the breaking news

On another night, without those two pieces of Gabriel Jesus magic, Arsenal would have left the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium with a point at best.

The Brazilian was near his best and, when he plays in the manner shown on Tuesday, the Gunners are a different proposition.

Particularly in Europe, where he has now scored or assisted 18 Champions League goals in his last 17 starts.

There is something about this competition that brings the best out of him. It has always been that way, just as it was in the sky blue of Manchester City. He adds experience to a squad whom are largely seeing this stage for the first time.

It was why Mikel Arteta looked so concerned after the match, his striker having to leave the pitch early with a suspected hamstring issue. Only a scare at present, but worrying in the context that he was already out earlier this season after having had knee surgery a second time.

Gabriel Jesus scored Arsenal’s second in their win against Sevilla in the Champions League

Jesus limped off in the second half with the forward having suffered a hamstring complaint

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was concerned with Jesus having suffered another injury scare

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Yet what we have also learnt is to be careful with Arteta’s injury news. Prior to the victory over Bournemouth, the manager said up to six first-team players were set to miss out to injury. Most of them started.

So caution must be taken. After the match, Jesus’ comments on this competition reflected his clear target.

He said: ‘It’s a competition that I love, like the Premier League. Since day one in the Champions League, my debut, I scored goals.

‘I haven’t won it yet, so I am looking for this, for this beautiful trophy. Obviously it is not easy, but I think we have to believe. If we don’t believe, we cannot be here.’

The appetite is there, and it will need to be if the Gunners are to top Group B to avoid the more feared giants in the last 16.

On his chemistry with fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, who he assisted for the first goal, he added: ‘I think for me as the type of player I am, I drop a lot more on the left side than the right side.

‘The wingers we have, not just Martinelli and Bukayo (Saka), but Reiss (Nelson), Leo (Trossard) and even Eddie (Nketiah) or Fabio (Vieira) when they play there, they are quality players.

‘I just go out wide and I try to play short passes and give them the ball, and they try to find me as well. Today it worked with Martinelli and I am very happy.’

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