Arsenal’s pre-season is well underway with the Gunners taking on Manchester United in Los Angeles in the early hours of Sunday (UK time).
Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up to face Erik ten Hag’s side, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus among those starting the first half. It was the Red Devils who went ahead, however, as Rasmus Hojlund made no mistake from close range after turning young defender Ayden Heaven.
It could have been Arsenal taking the lead at the SoFi Stadium, though, as Jesus had a wonderful opportunity inside the first minute. The Brazilian found himself racing through on goal and into the Man Utd box after a mistake by new United signing Leny Yoro.
Jesus did not make the most of the opportunity however and instead of shooting opted to cut inside, which allowed the Man Utd defenders to get back and tackle the former Manchester City man. The 27-year-old really should have made the most of the opportunity and at the very least tested Andre Onana.
This passage of play perhaps highlights Arsenal’s need to sign a forward this summer, something which they are exploring. football.london understands Edu and Arteta are keen on signing a versatile forward who can play across the front line with Nico Williams and Johan Bakayoko among the names linked.
A handful of strikers have also been tipped to move to Emirates Stadium this summer such as Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. While Jesus was wasteful in front of goal inside the first 60 seconds against Man Utd, the Brazilian proved he can be clinical later in the half.
READ MORE: Follow live coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester United
READ MORE: Arsenal drop biggest hint yet over Emile Smith Rowe transfer ahead of Man Utd clash
After good work from Ethan Nwaneri on the left hand side, the youngster put a dangerous ball across the box which Jesus calmly tapped home. It was a good first half performance from Jesus in truth and he probably deserved the goal.
For Jesus in the 2024/25 season he will want to remain fit and try to score as many goals as possible as he bids to fire Arsenal to Premier League glory. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners sign another forward, however, and if that impacts Jesus’ minutes.
Sign up to our Arsenal WhatsApp community and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By signing up to this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens.
To join our Arsenal community, all you have to do is click this link and you can join!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
