Gabriel Jesus Strikes Twice to Send Arsenal Through to Champions League Knockout Stage After Victory Over Inter

Gabriel Jesus secured Arsenals progression to the Champions League knockout rounds with a brace during their 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan on Tuesday, ensuring the Gunners clinched a top-eight position in the league phase.

A pair of goals from close range in the opening period delivered Arsenals seventh consecutive victory in the competition at the San Siro, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with tough choices ahead of Manchester Uniteds visit to the Emirates on Sunday.

Jesus replaced new arrival Viktor Gyokeres, who has faced challenges this term yet netted a superb effort in the 84th minute to confirm the result, while the ex-Manchester City forward posed danger throughout.

The 28 year old had just two prior starts this campaign prior to this match but seems to have regained top form following a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for almost 12 months.

Arsenal now hold 21 points and were virtually assured of the last 16 even before the game began, given that 16 points sufficed for a top-eight spot last year.

However, the 28 year old played a pivotal role in extending Arsenals lead to six points over second placed Bayern Munich, who face Union Saint Gilloise at home on Wednesday evening.

Inter, who equalised via an excellent Petar Sucic effort in the 18th minute, now occupy eighth place after suffering a third successive defeat in Europes premier club tournament, a first in their history.

The Italian champions appear poised to slip below the top eight on Wednesday, with five sides capable of surpassing them, and even if they claim maximum points from their remaining fixtures including a trip to Borussia Dortmund, a playoff berth seems probable with a total of 15.

More concerningly, it marked yet another loss in a marquee fixture for Cristian Chivus squad, who have faltered in prominent encounters and appeared disorganised leading to both of Jesus strikes.

Arsenal seemed destined for a comfortable win when Jesus tapped in the opener in the 10th minute, the Brazilian capitalising on Jurrien Timbers scuffed attempt for his first Champions League strike since November 2023.

Yet his effort was swiftly matched by Sucics powerful shot, prompting Inter to shift from a tentative approach and start troubling Arsenal.

Sucic wasted a golden opportunity for another attempt in the 27th minute after being played through by Lautaro Martinez, hesitating before sending a subpar ball to Marcus Thuram, whose shot sailed over the bar.

Inter paid for that missed chance four minutes later as Jesus found himself free near the goal line during one of Arsenals trademark set plays.

Bukayo Sakas deep curling corner was nodded back against the bar by Leandro Trossard, and the rebound dropped perfectly for Jesus to convert.

Inter refused to yield, with Federico Dimarco and replacement Pio Esposito testing with shots from tight angles, but Gyokeres finished on the counter to wrap up the points and let supporters anticipate the clash with United.