Mikel Arteta is confident that will get back to his best after he ended his goal drought in .
Jesus scored opener as they set up a quarter-final clash against , with the goal his first in nine months. And is hopeful that the strike will "unlock" Jesus' potential ahead of key run of games
"I'm very happy," Arteta said when asked about Jesus' goal and performance. "I think it's going to unlock that for him, he looks really happy. He's performing, that attitude is there always, but he need that feeling that he can put the ball in the back of the net."
And Jesus has insisted he is now "more focused on goals", with the forward vowing to make the most of every opportunity he is given this season. "When people say [it is my first goal] since January, it looks like it's a long, long time," he admitted.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
"Obviously, it's nine months and I understand. But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager] or something like that, I am just saying the truth.
"But I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there. Then when I have my opportunities to play my minutes, I try to help the team and also I think now I am more focused on goals.
"Before I was less focused, but now I am more focused to shoot because before I didn't shoot a lot. Now, I think what has changed for me is I try to look for the goal. It's good to be back scoring and obviously I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.
"I am the type of guy who works, always. Obviously I am not happy when I don't play. I am not happy when I play and score, and the team don't win. I always want to work, work, work and then I improve where I have to improve.
"Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff, that people don't understand. They are not in the club, they don’t understand, but I am not here to make excuses. I am here to work, try to be fit and then, like I said, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
You may also like
China's Shanghai braces for torrential rain as Typhoon Kong-rey advances
Mallikarjun Kharge reaffirms Congress's commitment to Karnataka welfare promises amid talks of Shakti Scheme review
Himanta Biswa Sarma meets disgruntled ex-Jharkhand minister, urges him to withdraw nomination
Judge declines to block Elon Musk $1 million voter giveaway as billionaire seeks to move case
'Firecracker Went Off Every Second': Delhi's Diwali Celebrations Trigger Hazardous Pollution Levels