Gabriel Jesus admitted he was ‘disappointed’ at being hauled off on the hour mark after starring in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Leeds United.
The Brazil international was starting his first Premier League game since November having fully recovered from the knee injury which he suffered at the World Cup.
In his absence the likes of Eddie Nketiah and January recruit Leandro Trossard have filled the void, but the £45million summer signing from Manchester City reminded Arsenal fans what they had been missing with a devastating display on Saturday.
Jesus opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, his first goal in 17 games for club and country, and netted his second from close range shortly before Mikel Arteta decided to end his afternoon prematurely.
With a hat-trick a distinct possibility, Jesus was slightly disgruntled at being forced to make way but insists he is ready to play a full 90 minutes ahead of next weekend’s trip to Anfield.
‘Like every player you never disrespect the manager. The Mr, Mikel knows how I appreciate him a lot and how I respect him and the team as well,’ Jesus told Arsenal’s official website.
‘Obviously every player wants to play the full 90 minutes and I think I’m ready obviously to play more but when there referee came and said you’re going out I was a little bit disappointed because I want to play.
‘But of course I respect the mister and respect the other players as well. So it was just 60 minutes but I enjoy it a lot.’
Arteta, meanwhile, was thrilled to see his No.9 back on the scoresheet after his lengthy injury-enforced absence.
He said: ‘I’m delighted for him. They were all clapping for him and he’s been working so hard the last four or five months with a lot of support obviously from the team and the staff.
‘Today he deserved the chance to start and he grabbed the opportunity with a lot of conviction and scoring two very important goals.’
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