Arteta hails 'tremendous' Jesus as Gunners look to Goodison

Mikel Arteta has lauded "tremendous" Gabriel Jesus ahead of Arsenal's clash with Everton this weekend.

The Gunners boss took his side to within just five points of the Premier League crown last season and the Spaniard has hailed Jesus' impact since joining from Manchester City.

He said: "He is a tremendous player. A really important player for us. He changed our world last season.

"You could all see that. He is going to be a really important player for us.

"I think he brought a different energy, a different belief, a different threat, a different fear to opponents. 

"And he did it in a really natural way and I think he contributed hugely to the step that we had last season. 

"He tracks a lot of attention and players in the way he plays and creates space for others and that's a big quality."

Jesus suffered a spate of injuries during his time in North London and is yet to start a match for Arsenal in the Premier League this term.

He has made three substitute appearances and scored in the 3-1 win over Manchester United before the international break.

On the Brazilian, Arteta added: "When you sign a player you know, who has done it in the league and he’s got the hunger to join us for the right reasons.

"It was a no-brainer for us to do it and we could see the impact he had straight away in the team."

Arsenal will be looking to carry their good run into Sunday's clash with Everton, who are yet to pick up a win in 2023-24.

The Gunners have already dropped points to Fulham and cannot afford to fall further behind City if they are to challenge them for the title again.