Watch Gabriel Jesus score 90 SECONDS into Arsenal debut before sub nets second to spare Gunners’ blushes vs Nuremberg
Sponsored by
GABRIEL JESUS lit up his Arsenal debut with a stunning double as excited Gunners fans were given a tantalising glimpse into the future.
And though it was only a pre-season friendly against opposition from the German second division, the £45million striker’s immediate impact already suggests he could be one of the signings of the summer.
The Brazilian international struck with his very first touch in an Arsenal shirt just seconds after replacing Nicolas Pepe as a half-time sub.
And manager Mikel Arteta could barely hide his delight with the player who only completed his move from Manchester City four days earlier.
Jesus, 25, burst down the right wing and exchanged passes with Eddie Nketiah before beating Nuremberg keeper Christian Mathenia inside his near post with an unerring right foot strike.
Twelve minutes later he was involved again, as he forced Christopher Schindler to turn into his own net from Gabriel Martinelli's cross.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
And when Martinelli chipped a clever 75th minute pass into the box, Jesus showed all his predatory powers as he eluded the static Nuremberg defence to score his second.
So while he is still very much in the process of getting to know his new team-mates, he appears to have struck an instantaneous rapport with fellow forwards Nketiah and Martinelli.
And that can only mean good news for Arteta as he tries to assemble a squad capable of finishing in the Premier League’s top four next season.
Jesus’ ruthless contribution inspired a remarkable second-half turnaround for an Arsenal side who were trailing 2-0 at half-time.
latest arsenal news
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Mo Elneny scored a 30-yard screamer before Tim Handwerker’s own goal sealed an impressive comeback against the Germans.
There were also first appearances for keeper Matt Turner and teenager Marquinhos as well as a 30 minute run-out for Kieran Tierney in his first game since suffering a knee injury in March.
And with Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Fabio Vieira, Rob Holding and William Saliba all due to return to the squad for next week’s tour of the USA, things are already looking positive for Arteta.