Ange Postecoglou singles out Arsenal star for praise in warning to Manchester United

Ange Postecoglou singled out ‘alert’ and ‘instinctive’ Gabriel Jesus for praise after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Inter Milan.

Ex-Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Postecoglou watched Arsenal’s European victory with interest as UEFA’s Technical Observer.

UEFA often appoint out of work managers to analyse Champions League games, with Sir Gareth Southgate, Roy Hodgson and Thomas Tuchel all previously performing the role.

Jesus scored twice on Tuesday night to help Arsenal beat Inter 3-1 and maintain their perfect record in the Champions League ahead of their final group game next week.

A first-half double from Jesus included the Brazilian’s first Champions League goal since 2023, while Viktor Gyokeres added a third as Arsenal sealed their seventh successive win in the competition.

Jesus scored his first goal since New Year’s Day 2025 in last month’s Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta opted to start Jesus at the San Siro amid concerns over Gyokeres’ form and the ex-Manchester City striker was singled out for praise by Postecoglou.

‘Gabriel Jesus’ alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues,’ Postecoglou wrote in his UEFA report of the match.

‘Both goals were instinctive. The first was from a mis-hit shot that he was able to capitalise on and the second from a rebound off the crossbar.

‘Both are a demonstration of a goalscorer’s instincts as, while others are watching, he is anticipating an opportunity to score.’

Jesus said it was a ‘dream’ to score at the San Siro and contribute to an impressive Arsenal Champions League win.

‘As a kid I always watched Serie A and I was dreaming to play here,’ he said. ‘It’s a dream night, to score here, it’s like tears in my eyes.’

Jesus will hope to continue his goalscoring form on Sunday when Premier League leaders Arsenal face Manchester United.

Gyokeres has generally kept his place in the team despite a subdued start to his Gunners career but Alan Shearer believes Jesus deserves to start Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Asked if Jesus will start over Gyokeres against United, Shearer said on Amazon Prime: ‘Well, the simple answer is yes.

‘When you score two goals and your club have desperately needed that in a tough environment. He’s come up with two really, really clever finishes and the answer is absolutely yes.

‘It’s what you’re brought into do – to make a difference, to score goals and he’s done that.’

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has also urged Arteta to play Jesus over Gyokeres, insisting from a selfish point of view he would rather the ex-Sporting striker start against his former club.

‘His anticipation and his little movements inside the penalty box, he’s a very clever player,’ Rooney said of Jesus, who won four Premier League titles at Man City.

‘If I was Gabriel Jesus now, I’d be there now saying, “I want to start the game on Sunday!”

‘He’s put himself in a position where he’s come here, he’s scored two goals, he’s played really well tonight. So if I was him, I’d be putting it in the manager’s mind that I really want to play.

‘Of course, you respect your team-mates, but you want to be playing in those big games.

‘Mikel Arteta is going to see that interview from Gabriel Jesus and that was an opportunity for Gabriel Jesus.

‘If that was me, I’d be saying to Mikel Arteta, “I want to play on Sunday! I’ve just scored two goals at the San Siro, I’ve helped win is the game and I want to be in that starting line-up.”‘

Arsenal play host to Manchester United sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Michael Carrick’s United are fifth after an impressive derby win over Man City.

The Gunners beat United 1-0 in the reverse fixture back on the opening day of the season thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s early goal.

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