Mikel Arteta: Gabi is primed to lead Arsenal to title

• Mikel Arteta adored the return of Gabriel Jesus on a picture-perfect.
• Arsenal 3-0 win over Fulham restored their five-point lead over City.
• Jesus entered the game as a substitute in the 77th minute.

Mikel Arteta adored the return of Gabriel Jesus on a picture-perfect Sunday afternoon for Arsenal, whose 3-0 win over Fulham restored their five-point lead over Manchester City atop the Premier League.

Jesus entered the game as a substitute in the 77th minute, making his first appearance since Brazil’s World Cup injury. He nearly made it 4-0 by rushing on to a pass from another substitute, Fábio Vieira, but Bernd Leno made the save.

Although Arteta stated that Jesus would have to compete for his spot, Jesus, who was arguably the best player in the top flight prior to the World Cup, will be crucial for Arsenal as they pursue their first league title since 2004. Leandro Trossard, who started as a false nine after passing a groyne fitness test, assisted on all three goals.

“Gabi, like any other player, has to earn his spot,” Arteta said. “We have options… in terms of player chemistry and what we ask them to do. Believe me, it’s a fantastic problem to have.

“Today’s first step is a huge boost. ‘I’m still missing something,’ Gabi told me a few days ago. Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said: ‘I’m ready’. He appears to be liberated and prepared. It was a joy to see him there with a smile on his face. I was overjoyed for him.”

Arsenal easily defeated a Fulham team that did not appear in the first half. They scored all of their goals before halftime, their energy especially impressive given that they played Sporting in the Europa League on Thursday night in Lisbon. “It’s really difficult when you play every three days, travel to Europe, and return,” Arteta explained. “Seeing the energy, quality, understanding, and willingness to go back there and be really dominant… it was really impressive.”

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