Gabriel Jesus fired Arsenal into the Champions League last 16 with a brace in Tuesday’s 3–1 victory over Inter Milan, a result that also guaranteed the Gunners a top-eight finish.
The Brazilian struck twice from close range in the first half at the San Siro to give Arsenal a deserved seventh straight league-phase win and hand manager Mikel Arteta a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United. Jesus started ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and capped an impressive display as Gyokeres came off the bench to seal the win with a fine finish in the 84th minute.
The 28-year-old, who had started just twice this season before Tuesday, looked back to his best after returning from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
Arsenal moved to 21 points and were effectively assured of a last-16 place even before kick-off, with 16 points enough for a top-eight finish last season. Jesus’ contribution also helped the Gunners open a six-point lead at the top of the standings ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich’s match on Wednesday.
Inter, who equalised through a superb Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, slipped to eighth after suffering a third consecutive Champions League defeat for the first time in their history. The Serie A leaders are at risk of dropping out of the top eight, with up to five teams able to overtake them, and a playoff spot now looks likely.
It was another disappointing result in a big game for Cristian Chivu’s side, who were punished for sloppy defending. Jesus opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalising on Jurrien Timber’s mishit shot for his first Champions League goal since November 2023, before Sucic quickly responded with a thunderous drive.
Inter missed a gilt-edged chance to go ahead through Sucic midway through the half and were made to pay moments later when Jesus was left unmarked to tap in Arsenal’s second from a set-piece routine.
Despite late chances for Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito, Inter could not find another way back, and Gyokeres’ late strike put the result beyond doubt, allowing Arsenal fans to turn their attention to the visit of Manchester United.
