‘We really need him’: Mikel Arteta praises ‘magnificent’ Gabriel Jesus after Forest win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Gabriel Jesus following the club’s 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest away from home.

The Gunners ended a three-match losing run at City Ground in fantastic fashion. They dominated the proceedings in the first half without finding the back of the net.

However, they stepped up after the break. Jesus broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a clever piece of improvisation from a throw-in before beating Matt Turner.

The Brazilian delivered the assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal on the counter-attack seven minutes later.

The Gunners had a late scare after Taiwo Awoniyi’s 89th-minute goal, but they managed to keep their composure to secure a second-straight win in the top-flight.

Following the game, Arteta was delighted for Jesus who had two vital goal contributions.

The Spanish tactician said that the Gunners really need him at his best and he had a good feeling that the 26-year-old would turn up for the contest at City Ground.

He added that the striker was ‘magnificent’ on the night as he was awarded the man of the match.

Arteta told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “We really need him at his best and I had a good feeling before the game. He was magnificent today.”

Arsenal picked up a second-straight league win by beating Forest. They have now reduced the deficit to leaders Liverpool to two points. The Reds have a game in hand.

Jurgen Klopp’s side face Chelsea at Anfield tonight and there is a good possibility that they could drop points, having drawn in each of the last five league meetings.

Arsenal welcome the Reds to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. It promises to be a thrilling contest. A victory would put the Gunners back in serious title contention.