Lucy Ward praised Gabriel Jesus for his performance in the early stages of the second half as Arsenal faced Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday.
Gabriel Jesus had two excellent opportunities to score within the first 15 minutes after the break against Forest. Although Arsenal dominated the first half, they struggled to truly challenge Matt Turner in goal.
Jesus arguably should have scored in the early stages after the interval, as he hit the post following some excellent build-up play on the edge of the box by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
The Brazilian experienced a moment that perhaps encapsulates his time at Arsenal thus far. Despite doing remarkably well to create a chance for himself by lifting the ball over his head and past the Forest defenders, when the opportunity arose to strike at goal, Jesus snatched at it and sent the ball flying into the stands.
Ward said live on TNT Sports: “I tell you what, there’s a special player, Jesus. We talk about everything he does in the build-up and what he brings to Arsenal. Had he finished one of those two chances, it just gives Arsenal that breathing space.”
Jesus proceeded to play a crucial role in both of Arsenal’s subsequent goals. Shortly after his missed opportunity, the 26-year-old’s strike appeared to be deflected into Turner’s own net by the former Gunners goalkeeper.
Jesus continued to make an impact by providing the assist for Bukayo Saka shortly after, as Mikel Arteta’s side doubled their lead.
Well Arteta had done well in playing Emily Smith Rowe that is what he supposed to be doing not evertime his line up are predictable I thought he would have also bring Reise Nelson I but you if he had come he will score we have good players but Arteta is afraid to loose but come what may clubs must loose you see what Luton did to Brighton today is unbelievable but such is football for you but it didn’t take anything away from the coach because we all know he is a good coach with good players if Arteta had used some of the players in our game against Westham and Fulham many people will not have feel it much so it’s time for him to be brave the first time I saw Bukayo Saka he was not playing the way he is playing now but I still he will make a very big player today he is almost the best if Arteta begin to give them minutes you will see them raise their games if Arsenal Wenger is still at Arsenal he would have introduce Nwaneri and some other players to the first team football is all about loosing and winning no one will kill some you introduce them they make you a hero, when hear Arteta is looking for someone like Hartho of Ajax I laughed because his coach is featuring him if begin to feature them he will get rewards from them so will other clubs will look for them there is no gain keeping a player out of team then why are you keeping him in the club give them minutes and get them ready at all time