Gabriel Jesus not only scored a magnificent goal but also assisted in the scoring of another as Arsenal defeated Sevilla 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday. This victory helped make up for the team’s shocking loss to Lens earlier in October.
The Brazilian striker set up Gabriel Martinelli’s first goal with a brilliant turn and pass, and then he doubled the Gunners’ lead with a clinical finish, helping Mikel Arteta’s team climb to the top of Group B in the process. Gabriel Martinelli scored the opening goal.
Lens was held to a 1-1 draw at home by PSV Eindhoven, which allowed Arsenal to climb up to sixth place and take the lead over Lens by one point. Sevilla and PSV Eindhoven are tied for second place with two points each.
Following their remarkable and fierce performance in a draw against the league leaders Real Madrid on Saturday, Diego Alonso’s players put up a spirited showing in the Uruguayan’s second encounter in command. This match was played on Sunday.
However, Arsenal had a better cutting edge in attack, and Jesus’ quality made the difference in an interesting matchup in Andalusia; he has scored in each of his team’s matches in the competition. The matchup took place in Andalusia.
Before the game began, Sevilla flaunted banners celebrating their record seven victories in the Europa League. However, at the heart of their defence, they have Sergio Ramos, who is a four-time winner of the Champions League.
The 37-year-old played a key role in the home team’s successful defensive effort, which kept Arteta’s team at bay for the bulk of the first half and was bookended by chances created by Martinelli.
Orjan Nyland, the custodian for Sevilla, made a spectacular stop on the first attempt by racing off his line in a flash to divert Martinelli’s shot back off the striker and away for a goal kick.
At the boisterous Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in the pouring rain, the home team took control, with Lucas Ocampos missing a shot and Arsenal custodian David Raya appearing hesitant under pressure and giving the ball away many times.
Arteta defended the Spain international custodian after he made two blunders in Saturday’s Premier League tie against Chelsea. Although some fans demanded that Aaron Ramsdale be reinstated in goal, the coach continued to play with his compatriot Arteta.
Youssef En-Nesyri made a break into the penalty area for Sevilla and then dragged his shot just wide of the goal shortly before Arsenal took the lead in the first quarter. This was Sevilla’s finest opportunity of the first session.
After another Sevilla effort in stoppage time was thwarted, Gabriel Jesus executed a brilliant turn in the middle of the pitch to confuse two Sevilla players and open up the pitch. He then set up Martinelli for a quick shot on goal by passing the ball to him after the play had opened up.
The Brazilian kept his cool to go around Nyland and score on his first attempt in the Champions League, and Ramos was unable to catch up to him in pursuit of the ball.
Jesus was determined.
Although Arteta’s young team’s lack of experience was a factor in Arsenal’s loss to Lens despite having taken the lead, the Gunners were able to quickly get a second goal in this matchup. The previous time Arsenal qualified for the competition was in 2017.
Before Jesus dribbled into the box from the left flank and superbly whacked a shot into the far top corner across Nyland’s body, the otherwise quiet Martin Odegaard blasted a shot high over the bar early in the second half. Jesus then took the rebound and smashed a shot into the far top corner.
Nemanja Gudelj scored for Sevilla just before the hour mark as he headed home from Ivan Rakitic’s corner past the immovable Raya. This gave Sevilla the lead once again.
Although it was a magnificent save by the Arsenal custodian who deflected Mariano Diaz’s shot against the crossbar, the goal would not have counted because it would have been disallowed for a foul if it had been scored.
Sevilla defeated Manchester United and Juventus at home during their run in the Europa League last season. Despite this, the team refused to give up without giving it their all, which resulted in former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela being cautioned for diving in the area.
In the game’s waning moments, they ramped up the pressure, but Arsenal managed to hang on for the win.