Jesus fires Arsenal past Inter and into Champions League last 16

Gabriel Jesus pushed Arsenal into the last 16 of the Champions League with a double in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Inter Milan which made the Gunners mathematically sure of a top-eight finish.

Two close-range finishes in the first half gave Arsenal a deserved seventh straight league phase win at the San Siro and manager Mikel Arteta a selection conundrum with Manchester United visiting the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Jesus started in place of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled but made sure of the win with a fine shot in the 84th minute. But former Manchester City striker Jesus offered a threat all game.

The 28-year-old had only started twice this season before Tuesday's win but appears to be back to his best after returning from a cruciate ligament tear which kept him out for nearly a year.

"It's a dream night. I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched when I was a kid. I watched a lot of Serie A, so to be here in this stadium and score here is tears in my eyes because I always dreamed of being here," Jesus told Amazon Prime.

"There is always a reason that things happen even whether it's good things or difficult things. I learned that during my 11 months out of the field."

Arsenal are on 21 points and were effectively in the last 16 before kick-off as 16 points was enough for the top eight last season.

Jesus was key to Arsenal going six points clear at the top of the classification ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich's home fixture with Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night.

Arsenal, who have already beaten Bayern this season, look capable of going all the way not just in the Premier League but also in Europe.

"Hopefully you learn with experience," said of his team's progress this season.

"It very much brings you an opportunity to understand your team better, and the Champions League and what is required."

Arsenal through

Inter, who levelled through a fabulous Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, sit ninth after losing a third straight match in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in their history.

The Serie A leaders dropped out of the top eight and their maximum possible points tally of 15 -- should they win at Borussia Dortmund next week -- means Inter are looking at the playoffs even after winning their first four matches.

More worryingly it was another big game defeat for Cristian Chivu's team who have struggled in high-profile contests and were sloppy for both of Jesus' goals.

"The Champions League doesn't offer you many opportunities and those that you get you need to take. Arsenal deserved to win tonight," Chivu told reporters.

Arsenal looked like they would stroll to victory when Jesus poked home the Gunners' opener in the 10th minute, the Brazilian pouncing on Jurrien Timber's mishit shot to score his first Champions League goal November 2023.

But his goal was quickly cancelled out by Sucic's thumping drive as Inter abandoned their initial cautious strategy and began to cause Arsenal problems.

Sucic spurned a perfect chance to unleash another shot in the 27th minute when sent charging through by Lautaro Martinez, but he dawdled and then played a poor pass to Marcus Thuram who slashed his effort high and wide.

Inter were punished four minutes later by Jesus, who was completely unmarked near the goalline for one of Arsenal's special set-piece routines.

Bukayo Saka's deep, looping corner was headed back onto the crossbar by Leandro Trossard and the ball fell to Jesus who made no mistake.

Inter didn't roll over, with Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both going close with angled drives, but Gyokeres struck on the break to seal the deal and allow fans to look ahead to United.