Pre-season tours may not be an accurate measuring stick to determine how far a team can go when the real competition starts, but they are always useful. They can boost confidence, especially when you put on a show like Arsenal did against the MLS All-Star Team on Wednesday. It all started when Gabriel Jesus found the net after five minutes.
Following an interesting move from Bukayo Saka on the right, the Brazilian chipped the ball from outside the box to score the first of many goals the Gunners would score at Audi Field. In the end, it was a commanding 5-0 victory for Mikel Arteta’s men over the squad made up by some of the best players in Major League Soccer.
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Gabriel Jesus revitalizes his career at Arsenal
After falling down the pecking order at Manchester City, Jesus rediscovered his best version in north London. In 33 appearances last season, the 26-year-old forward recorded 11 goals and 8 assists. These numbers could have been even better if it weren’t for the injury he suffered during the 2022 World Cup.
No stopping that one from @gabrieljesus9.#MLSAllStar Game pres. by @Target pic.twitter.com/pA80fk2ufT
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2023
While it’s fair to wonder how Kai Havertz’s signing will impact Jesus, the Palmeiras product gave Arteta reasons not to be taken out of the starting lineup. Arsenal are heading into a challenging season in which they’ll play UEFA Champions League football for the first time since 2017.
