Jesus double fires Arsenal past Inter as perfect champions league run continues

Arsenal maintained their flawless Champions League campaign with a commanding away victory over Inter Milan, sealing a top-two finish in the league phase as Gabriel Jesus struck twice in Italy, Sport360NG reports.

Already virtually assured of a top-eight place, the Gunners extended their longest winning run in the competition to seven matches with an assured display at San Siro.

Arsenal dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded inside 10 minutes when Gabriel Jesus reacted quickest in the box to poke home from close range.

Inter responded with a spell of pressure and found an equaliser through Petar Sucic, who rifled a powerful effort beyond David Raya from the edge of the area after a blocked attempt by Nicolo Barella.

The visitors, however, quickly reasserted control. A well-worked corner routine restored their advantage on 31 minutes as Leandro Trossard nodded Bukayo Saka’s delivery back into the danger area for Jesus to head in unmarked.

That goal marked Arsenal’s 19th from a corner this season, more than any side across Europe’s top five leagues, underlining their growing set-piece threat.

Substitute Viktor Gyokeres wrapped up the points six minutes from time with a superb curling finish from the edge of the box to ensure a comfortable conclusion.

The result guarantees Arsenal a place in the knockout phase without the need for February play-offs and secures home advantage in the second leg.

It was the fourth consecutive away fixture for Mikel Arteta’s side, who once again underlined their resilience with an unbeaten run that includes victories over Chelsea, Portsmouth and Inter, plus a draw at Nottingham Forest that still extended their Premier League lead to seven points.

Arteta has been able to rotate heavily through this demanding period, making seven changes in Milan alone, a testament to the depth available to him as the season enters its decisive phase.

Encouragingly for Arsenal, Jesus looked sharp in just his third start since returning from an 11-month absence with a serious knee injury. The brace ended his Champions League goal drought stretching back to November 2023, while Gyokeres’ strike further boosted the club’s attacking options.

With Kai Havertz still working his way back to full fitness, Arsenal’s growing pool of goal threats could prove decisive as their pursuit of silverware gathers momentum.